In recent years, the number of truly exceptional characters in anime has grown. Some of the most popular and well-liked fictional characters in history have appeared in popular anime series. The proliferation of new-generation anime has resulted in a corresponding increase in the prevalence of extraordinary anime characters, from curse users like Satoru Gojo to masterminds like Light Yagami.
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Time and time again, these unstoppable anime heroes and villains have proven themselves to be the strongest characters that the medium has to offer.
Some of the most well-known characters from the first wave of anime have managed to maintain their status to this day, while others have fallen by the wayside. When taken as a whole, these legendary figures are unmistakable symbols of anime’s influence and success.
Updated September 6, 2024, by Oluwatokiloba Folami: In recent times, anime has become a major form of entertainment that has taken the world by storm and some characters have helped make that happen. These characters have served as icons that set the standard for their predecessors and stand out in their unique way. Whether it be a signature style, power-up, or unique catchphrase, the most famous anime characters have a unique flair to them that makes them widely famous—whether as hardworking heroes, villains, lazy bums, or anything in between. The most famous anime characters consist of the strong, the weak, the good, and the downright terrible, showing that they don’t follow any form of standard, but set their own.
1 L
A Genius Mastermind Cloaked In Quirks
Death Note (2006) ThrillerSupernatural
Studio Madhouse Number of Episodes 37 Creator Tsugumi Ohba Streaming Service(s) Crunchyroll , Hulu , Netflix , YouTube
When considering geniuses who could match the intellect of characters like Yagami Light and Lelouch Lamperouge, the great detective L certainly comes to mind. While he doesn’t look the part and some question his ability, as a character, L is smarter than Light because “the plot requires it,” as stated by Ohba, the writer of Death Note.
In the series, L proves himself as a genius mastermind who uses various forms of deception and misinformation to corner his enemies. Despite serving as a great detective, L loves to use slightly evil techniques to get what he wants. Great detective or not, L is a brilliant character who has become an icon in the world of anime. Even his less desirable characteristics set him up as a relatable character who is incredibly gifted but with a ton of quirky attributes.
2 Sasuke
Sasuke’s Dark Path Made Him A Household Name
To be famous, oftentimes one doesn’t have to be “good” or a hero, as villainy does better at spreading one’s name. In this sense, Sasuke being Naruto’s polar opposite and rival for the longest time, has made the character well known. For the longest time, Naruto and Sasuke were rivals, and their many showdowns were often in epic proportions.
While Naruto was seen as the goofy and gritty Shinobi, Sasuke was seen as the cool and revenge-driven one. And so while Sasuke might not be as universally liked as Naruto, he’s definitely as universally known. Moreover, throughout the series, Sasuke was always involved. Either on Naruto’s side to defeat villains capable of ending the world, or being Naruto’s obsession as a friend to save.
3 Killua
A Complex Assassin Turn Icon
This child assassin serves as one of those side characters who sometimes threaten to overshadow the protagonist. As a character, Killua serves as Gon’s best friend with a complex background and a dangerous family. Trained from a young age to become a ruthless assassin, Killua has mastered skills the average hunter would struggle to master in years.
His signature lightning move, Godspeed, makes him even more memorable, but Killua Zoldyck is more than his fighting abilities. His character development and emotional turmoil seen in the series’ progression make him a relatable character that fans have come to love. Moreover, Killua’s sharp intellect perfectly complements Gon’s innocence, while Gon’s kindness tempers Killua’s ruthless instincts. Together, they form a duo whose bond is unforgettable, both as best friends and as distinct, impressive individuals.
4 Goku
This Saiyan Serves As A Staple In The Anime Community
Dragon Ball ActionComedyAdventure
Studio Toei Animation Number of Episodes 153 Release Date February 26, 1986
Son Goku is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable heroes in the world of anime. As the protagonist of Dragon Ball, one of the founding Shonen anime and manga series, Goku is widely known by various anime fans around the world. Goku’s character design has contributed to his popularity, as his design has been used as inspiration for various anime characters worldwide.
As a hero who embodies determination and hard work, Son Goku is one of those characters that even non-fans will likely recognize. Moreover, after the unlocking of his iconic ultra instinct, Goku became even more famous among the anime community.
5 Ichigo Kurosaki
The Protagonist Of Bleach Leaves His Mark
Bleach ActionAdventureFantasy
Number of Episodes 392 Release Date October 5, 2004 Studio Pierrot
As the protagonist of one of the Big Three anime series—Bleach—Ichigo Kurosaki had the groundwork laid for him in terms of popularity. Moreover, with his unique disposition and distinct style and appearance, Ichigo’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly with the airing of Bleach’s Thousand Year Blood War arc.
As a character, Ichigo serves as a human who is suddenly thrown into the world of supernatural beings such as shinigami and hollows. His adventures begin when he comes across Rukia Kuchiki, who accidentally transfers her powers to him. From then on, whether it be in power, grit, or popularity, Ichigo has continued to grow.
6 Ken Kaneki
This One-Eyed Ghoul Has A Unique Character Arc And Design
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Tokyo Ghoul ActionSupernatural
Studio Pierrot Number of Episodes 24 Release Date July 4, 2014
The Tokyo Ghoul anime series began airing in the summer of 2014. With its portrayal of a gore-filled world filled with violence and supernatural thrillers, the series quickly became widely acclaimed worldwide. Meanwhile, its protagonist, the quiet and gentle Ken Kaneki, quickly takes on a dark turn when he is turned into a flesh-eating ghoul by involving himself with Rize Kamishiro.
Kaneki’s turn from a naive human to a unique one-eyed ghoul made him immensely popular. The transition in his personality served as a unique selling point for fans. Moreover, with his story came suffering and sacrifice that fans found immensely endearing, contributing to his popularity.
7 Kakashi
Few Haven’t Heard Of The Copy Ninja
Naruto AnimationActionAdventure
Studio Pierrot Number of Episodes 220 Release Date October 2, 2002
Copy Ninja Hatake Kakashi is widely known for the prominent role he played in the Naruto anime series. Not only did Kakashi serve as a guide and mentor to the series’ protagonist, but he also had one of the most tragic backstories among all Naruto characters. Interestingly, Kakashi’s past came back to haunt him in the form of Obito, whom he believed was dead.
With the many plot twists involving Kakashi in the Naruto series, the Copy Ninja quickly became immensely famous. He was famous among the shinobi in Naruto and with anime fans worldwide. With his epithet, Kakashi of the Sharingan, this anime character has made a mark in the hearts of many.
8 Saitama
His Signature One Punch Has Earned Him Worldwide Fame
One Punch Man ActionSuperhero
Studio Madhouse, J.C.Staff Number of Episodes 24 Release Date October 5, 2015
The One Punch Man anime series is known for its protagonist, who ends every battle with a single punch. As an ordinary human being living in a world where supernatural abilities and heroes are commonplace, Saitama decides to become a hero and sets out to train beyond his limits.
After continually following a workout routine of 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and 10 kilometers of running every day for three years, One Punch Man would be born. While Saitama isn’t the smartest of anime characters, his immense strength and signature one-punch make him one of the most famous and deadly.
9 Levi
The Unmatched Skills Of Humanity’s Strongest Soldier Have Made Him Renown
Attack On Titan ActionDramaFantasy
Studio Wit Studio, MAPPA Number of Episodes 94 (Or 87 + 2 Specials) Release Date April 7, 2013 Japanese Title Shingeki no Kyojin
With the immense popularity of the Attack on Titan anime series, Levi Ackerman’s popularity has also skyrocketed. As humanity’s strongest soldier, Levi has made a name for himself in the hearts of fans and characters alike. As the captain of the Special Operations Squad of the Survey Corps, Levi has proven himself in many battles.
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Despite his cold and confrontational attitude, Levi has many people that he holds dear.
Levi’s aloof personality, combined with his strong moral compass and strength, has allowed him to be just as popular as Eren Yeager. While Levi is no Eren, his unique disposition and strength have allowed him to compete with some of the greats in terms of popularity.
10 Gon
His Happy-Go-Lucky Personality Has Made Him Very Likable
Hunter x Hunter ActionFantasyAdventure
Studio Nippon Animation Number of Episodes 62 Release Date October 16, 1999
Perhaps because of his happy-go-lucky but determined personality, many have found Gon Freecss to be a likable character. Starting with his dream of finding his father, Gon decides to become a hunter – an elite human capable of killing rare beasts and finding secret treasure even in the most dangerous of terrains.
As Gon sets out on a journey to find his father, he comes across various individuals, some who help him on his quest, and some who almost end his quest halfway. Despite his small frame, Gon packs a lot of power, and his unique disposition, along with his friendship with Killua Zoldyck, has made its way to the ears and sights of many.
11 Zoro
The Only Known Wielder Of The Three Sword Style Is An Ambitious Man
One Piece ActionAdventureComedyFantasy
Studio Toei Animation Number of Episodes 1116+ Release Date October 20, 1999
The right hand of the future Pirate King has become widely renowned among fans. Despite being Luffy’s right hand, Zoro’s popularity rivals that of his captain. With his disciplined and loyal demeanor, Zoro has gone on to make a name for himself like no other.
In the One Piece series, Zoro’s dream is to become the strongest swordsman in the world. With his recent feat of defeating King the Wildfire, Zoro has made his name more known among characters in the series and the anime community as a whole. With his moss green hair, three-sword style, and zero sense of direction, few anime fans would not recognize Zoro should they come across him.
12 Madara
The Ghost Of The Uchiha Is Unmatched In Skill
When it comes to heroic deeds, Madara, the Uchiha clan’s ghost, is not exactly renowned as a role model. Madara, a key antagonist in the Naruto anime series, has the view that a ninja world has no place for the weak and intends to wipe them out completely.
Madara’s dominant power allows him to easily manipulate others into doing his bidding, regardless of the consequences. He was instrumental in the establishment of both the Uchiha family and the village of Konoha. Despite his criminal path, Madara has become a legend in the world of anime.
13 Midoriya
The Seventh Holder Of One For All Is Meek But Determined
My Hero Academia (2016) ActionSuperhero
Studio Bones Number of Episodes 141+ Release Date April 3, 2016 Japanese Title Boku no Hero Academia
My Hero Academia‘s protagonist is one of the most well-known and widely-loved characters from the newer generation of anime. Izuku Midoriya’s origin story begins with him as a young child who aspired to follow in the footsteps of the top hero at the time, All Might. Unfortunately for Izuku, he was born without any sort of unique quirk, so his fantasies would remain just that.
Even though he didn’t have a quirk himself, Midoriya kept working toward his goals and learning from the heroes and villains around him to determine when and how to employ peculiarities effectively. Fortunately, Midoriya inherited All Might’s peculiarity, and he has continued to excel ever since.
14 Edward Elric
The Fullmetal Alchemist Has Proved Himself In Matters Of Alchemy
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood ActionAdventureFantasy
Studio Bones Number of Episodes 64 Release Date April 5, 2009
Edward Elric, the protagonist of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga and anime, was once a naive little boy who believed that he could use alchemy to bring his dead mother back to life. Elric lost an arm, a leg, and his brother’s entire body in his trial. Edward’s brother Alphonse has had his spirit linked to a suit of armor since he lost his body.
Following the catastrophe that befell Edward and his sibling, the two set out across the world to study and practice alchemy. To get back what they had lost, they also went in search of the fabled philosopher’s stone, which was claimed to grant any wish.
15 Light Yagami
The User Of the Death Note Remains Ever Iconic
The Death Note series has become a mainstay anime around the world. The complicated main character, Yagami Light, is a big reason for the show’s success.
Light became a judge, juror, and executioner after discovering the Death Note, a book that killed anyone who wrote their name inside. This helped lower the crime rate in Japan. But Light soon deviated from his course, thinking of himself as the “God of the New World” and killing anybody who stood in his way, whether they deserved to die or not.
16 Gojo
The Limitless Six Eyes User Is Cool, Strong, And Charismatic
Jujutsu Kaisen ActionSupernatural
Studio MAPPA Number of Episodes 47 Release Date October 3, 2020 Japanese Title Jujutsu Kaisen
The second season of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime has just begun airing, and it has already caused a stir in the anime world. Even though Gojo isn’t the main character, he has more fans than the show’s protagonist, Itadori Yuuji.
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Satoru Gojo has proven himself to be the strongest jujutsu sorcerer in the series by mastering the Limitless technique. Gojo, despite his formidable abilities, is a cool, easygoing guy who genuinely cares about and looks out for his students. Additionally, he is not afraid of conflict and relishes the opportunity to prove himself.
17 Luffy
His Journey To Find The One Piece Will Make Him Forever Remembered
One Piece is one of the ‘Big Three’ anime series, and it’s famous for its always-upbeat main character, who dreams of becoming the Pirate King and the freest man on the sea.
Luffy, created by Eiichiro Oda, is a beloved character since many readers have followed his development from childhood to adulthood. With Luffy’s ultimate Gear 5 form airing in the One Piece anime, the excitement that fans feel for the series is unmatched. In the midst of it all is Luffy, the man who has overcome different challenges with his indomitable will.
18 Eren
Murdering 80% Of The World Is Sure To Leave A Mark
Eren Yeager started as a young boy who wanted to explore beyond the walls his people were encapsulated in. The discovery of Titans, humanoid beasts that assaulted the walls and devoured all living things in their path, changed his dreams into nightmares, though.
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Erin and the rest of the Survey Corps finally made it to their destination, only to find that the biggest challenge they faced was not the Titans but rather other humans. Known as “the Devils of Paradis,” the inhabitants of Paradis Island faced certain annihilation at the hands of their enemies. Eren, however, was not about to let that happen and thus began his grim mission to wipe out humanity.
19 Naruto
His Iconic Rasengan, Determination, And Optimism Make Him Notable
Uzumaki Naruto spent his early years as a lonely kid who yearned for friends. People made fun of Naruto for wanting to be Hokage, the strongest ninja in the leaf village, but the young ninja never gave up on his goal.
Naruto’s story is a testament to perseverance, bravery, selflessness, and the value of hard work. As a result of the public’s adoration for the kid’s determination in the face of adversity, he gained the status of a beloved cultural icon. Many fans have found motivation in Naruto’s unyielding spirit. More so than others, he has become a cultural figure because of the universality of his story.
20 Lelouch
Saving The World To Die As A ‘Tyrannical Ruler’ Is No Small Feat
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion MechaAction Sci-Fi
Studio Sunrise Number of Episodes 50 Release Date October 6, 2006 Japanese Title Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
The 11th prince of the holy Britannian Empire, Lelouch Lamperouge, detested his father and the nation of Britannia for conquering like warmongers. After Britannia took over Japan, the country’s name was changed to Area 11, and strife spread through the land.
Fortunately for Lelouch, his powerlessness to stop the Britannia Empire changed when he met C.C., a young girl who gave him the power of Geass. With Geass, Lelouch could bend people to his will and use it to establish an order of holy knights that rebelled against Britannia. Unfortunately, things quickly spiraled out of control, and Lelouch was left with a ton of hard choices to make.
Fuente: successacademy.edu.vn
Categorías: Anime
