Anime is not just animation, as many believe so. It is more than that. The stories are beautifully captured, and the characters are very well written. Anime characters have a solid fan base and enjoy a lot of popularity. The following are the top 30 anime characters of all time:
1. Son Goku (Dragon Ball Z)
Goku is one of the known Anime characters of all time. He is the main protagonist in the Dragon Ball Z series. The show has been on the air for almost 32 years. Goku was also the brand ambassador for the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
He is Earth’s most vigorous defender against various evil forces. The series has followed Goku since he was a kid. Goku is loyal, dedicated, and a good-hearted anime.
2. Luffy D. Monkey (One Piece)
If you have heard about Anime, then you have heard about Luffy. One Piece is a favorite cult series written by Oda. Luffy is powerful and loyal and wishes to be a Pirate king. He is one of the most popular Shonen anime characters.
Luffy’s trademark smile and carefree attitude make him beloved by his fans. He would do anything for his friends and protect those who need protection. Luffy D. monkey is everything you look for in a leading protagonist of the show.
3. Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
Naruto is the main protagonist of the show Naruto. The series is rated as the best shonen anime to watch. Naruto is loved and adored by fans worldwide. His never give up attitude, and inspiring dialogues make up for the perfect protagonist.
The show has everything from action to comedy and tragedy. Naruto had a tough childhood, but he never let himself be swayed to the wrong side. His dream is to be a Hokage. His friends and comrades love Naruto.
4. Eren Yeager (Attack On Titan)
Eren Yeager’s dialogue “Tatakai Tatakai” is prevalent among the anime community. He is intelligent and powerful and would do anything to protect his friends. Eren is the protagonist and antagonist of the show.
His character development from being a naive child to somebody full of anger and vengeance has shown fans various aspects of his personality. Eren is a fearless anti-hero, ready to kill the world to protect his people.
5. Light Yagami (Death Note)
Light Yagami is one of the best anti-heroes in Thriller anime history. He is an intelligent human being. Light is shown to be a genius who aspires to rid the world of evil people. However, Light’s obsession with killing bad people makes him very dangerous.
After becoming Kira, Light tries to get justice in a very twisted way. Fans love Light for his genius and brilliant strategies.
7. Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)
Ichigo Kurosaki is the main protagonist of the Bleach series. Bleach is a part of the Big Three of Anime with Naruto and One Piece. Ichigo has everything that a main shonen character has.
He is intelligent and loyal, and he aims to protect the world. Ichigo has the powers of a Quincy human, a hollow, and a Shinigami. Hence, he is very powerful, and his personality has attracted fans, which makes him very popular among the fans
8. Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)
Lelouch Lamperouge is the main protagonist of the Code Geass series. He is intelligent and charismatic. Furthermore, he can implant directions in a person’s mind by looking into their eyes and making them follow orders as per his will.
Lelouch has been a character in Japan since the show premiered in 2006. He is quick on his feet and can execute ideas with high precision.
9. Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer)
Demon Slayer is a very popular anime worldwide. The show has made anime mainstream and gained a very loyal fanbase. Tanjiro is the main protagonist of the show. He is kind and trustworthy and would do anything for the people he loves.
Tanjiro aims to kill all demons and turn his sister back into a human. Tanjiro is powerful, and his unique ability to smell into the future makes him very quick to act in situations.
10. Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the best anime series of all time. Edward Elric has made Anime very popular among fans. Edward is very passionate about things and always tries his best to make things happen.
His main aim is to return his brother’s body from a different dimension. Edward is an underdog who always comes on top due to his never-give-up attitude.
11. Ash Ketchum (Pokemon)
Ash Ketchum has remained one of the most loved characters in the Pokemon series. He is hardworking and wants to win the Pokemon world championship. Ash never gives up on his goal. He is loyal and always stands for his friends.
Even after so many years, Ash has captivated his fans with positivity and zeal. Ash and Pikachu are one of the most known anime characters of all times
12. Levi Ackerman (Attack On Titan)
Levi Ackerman is a central supporting character in the series Attack on Titan. Although the main story revolves around Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, Levi has successfully stolen the limelight. Levi was the most popular anime character of 2022 in Japan.
He is humanity’s strongest soldier. Levi has won hearts with his sense of humor and his neat freak behavior. He is a total badass and can kill Titans in a blink of an eye.
13. Goju Saturo (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Gojo Saturo is a central supporting character in Jujutsu Kaisen. He is the strongest sorcerer on the planet. His flashy techniques and personality make him a fan favorite. Goju’s existence keeps cured spirits and users in check.
He doesn’t take anything seriously and doesn’t care for higher authority. Gojo is a handsome man with beautiful eyes.
14. Rintarou Okabe (Steins;Gate)
Rintarou is the protagonist of Steins; Gate. The series is highly rated and is a must-watch. Rintarou is a very gifted scientist who aims to discover futuristic gadgets. He heads the Future Gadget Research Establishment and accidentally creates a time machine.
His bizarre behavior and over-the-top personality make him a fan favorite. Rintarou’s behavior is sometimes bizarre as he talks about himself on the phone and laughs at nothing.
15. Roronoa Zoro (One Piece)
Roronoa Zoro is Luffy D. Monkey’s right-hand man and close friend. He is one of the most beloved characters of the show One Piece. Zoro’s ability to fight with three swords simultaneously makes him a powerful Pirate.
He is reliable and loyal and would do anything to fulfill Luffy’s dream of becoming a Pirate King. Zoro was the first crew member of the Straw Hat Pirates.
16. Killua Zoldyck (Hunter X Hunter)
Killua Zoldyck is a supporting character in Hunter x Hunter but has managed to steal the limelight from Gon. Even though Gon is the show’s main protagonist, Killua’s strength and character development have won hearts all around.
Killua is born into a family of assains, but after meeting Gon, he learns the value of life. He is loyal and a great friend to Gon. Killua would do anything to protect Gon from harm. Killua’s clothing style has evolved throughout the series, making him one of the most stylish characters in Anime.
17. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Itachi Uchiha is one of the strongest characters in Naruto. He killed his clan to protect his village. Itachi’s love for his brother has no bound. Itachi put Sasuke’s life before his own and joined Akatsuki to defend his village.
Itachi is the true definition of a shinobi. The sacrifices he made for Sasuke and his village were the biggest reveal of the series. Itachi’s well-written and complex character makes him a perfect anti-hero.
18. Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)
Although the anime series was a bit disappointing for the Manga readers as most things were rushed. Ken Kaneki has managed to gain a different fan base. Ken’s story is full of pain and suffering.
The series’s constant tug-of-war between his humanity and ghoul side is well written. Ken’s everyday life changed after being attacked by a ghoul and turned into a nightmarish reality. He is one of the best protagonists in any anime series.
19. Saitama (One Punch Man)
As the name suggests, Saitama is our One Punch man. He is the strongest character in his series. Saitama can defeat any enemy with just a punch. He is so powerful that fights do not interest him, as he cannot fight a worthy adversary.
He is silly and clueless, but he brings his A-game during a fight. Saitama became a hero for fun, but he likes when people respect him as a Hero.
20. Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)
Kakashi Hatake is the leader of Team 7, which consist of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. He is Naruto’s mentor and a highly trained Shinobi. Kakashi is known as the copycat Ninja, as he can copy any technique performed before him.
He likes to read adult books, and his favorite writer is Pervy sage Jiraiya. Kakashi’s one-liner and all-over demeanor make him a beloved series character.
21. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack On Titan)
Mikasa Ackerman is the female lead in Attack on Titan. She is a highly trained soldier and a complete badass. As an Ackerman, all her senses and reflexes are very quick, making her a very powerful opponent.
Mikasa is one of the strongest fighters humanity has. She loves Eren and would do anything for him. Even though she is cold and sometimes mean, in reality, Mikasa is very emotional and sensible.
22. Gintoki Sakata (Gintama)
This is one of the weirdest and funniest shows on air. Gitoki is witty and extremely silly at times. His sense of humor makes him the most amusing protagonist of any anime series. Gitoki is lazy and foolish but always gets the job done.
He takes up odd jobs to make ends meet. Gintama is a must-watch show for those looking for a comedy anime.
23. Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)
Cowboy Bebop is a top-rated show with a different outlook on inter-galaxy bounty hunting. Spiegel is a former gangster turned bounty hunter. He is calm and has a very groovy style.
Spike is a master of his own will and seldom listens to others. He is rarely seen without a cigarette. Spike is the coolest and most badass character in the show.
24. Zero Two (Darling In The Franxx)
Zero is the main female lead in Darling in the Franxx. She is a human-klaxon hybrid and a member of APE special forces. Her fun and cute nature make her very attractive. Therefore, making her a perfect Waifu.
However, Zero two is also very cunning and strong in battle. She is the perfect blend of strong and cute and loves Hiro. The two end up married by the end of the series.
25. Hisoka (Hunter X Hunter)
Hisoka is a very questionable character in Hunter X Hunter. He is a mass murderer and probably a pervert, but he has enjoyed his fan base. Fans tend to have a sweet spot for this villain.
Hisoka’s style and murderous vibe have gained a lot of attention from viewers. He is clever, powerful, and a complete psycho. Hisoka can cross any limit to have his way. He likes to kill people and is very proud of his Bungee gum.
26. Shigeo Kageyama (Mob Psycho 100)
Shigeo Kageyama is the main protagonist of Mob Psycho 100. He is a psychic and refrains from using his powers as they might hurt people. The series ran for three seasons and has been among the most popular shows.
Mob is sweet and caring and works for his mentor Reigen. In the series finale, Mob finally learns to accept both sides of his personality and that he should not be embarrassed by his powers.
27. Dazai Osamu (Bungo Stray Dogs)
Dazai Osamu is one of the leading characters in Bungo Stray Dogs. His crazy nature makes him stand out in the anime community. Dazai is suicidal and often seen trying to kill himself. He is an incredible detective and works for an Armed detective agency.
Dazai is a mysterious and powerful person whose intentions cannot be guessed unless he reveals them. Dazai is a striking and clever person.
28. Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)
Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku, is My Hero Academia’s main protagonist. He wants to be a Hero but is born without any powers. However, All Might, the world’s number one hero, selects him as the successor for the One for All quirk.
Deku is loyal and wants to protect everyone against villains. Izuku is creative and has a strong sense of personal integrity.
29. Shoto Todoroki (My Hero Academia)
Shoto is a central supporting character in My Hero Academia. He is very cold towards people and doesn’t like to make friends. Unless he meets Deku, who taught him to push himself harder. Due to a traumatic childhood, Shoto starts hating his father.
His quirk is half cold-half fire. A perfect combination of Ice and Fire. Shoto is very powerful and reliable in battle. He is one of the most handsome characters in the show.
30. Violet Evergarden (Violet Evergarden)
Violet Evergarden is one of the best Anime to watch on Netflix. She is the main protagonist of the show. She will make you look at life differently. Her attractive looks and pleasing personality makes her very popular.
Violet was raised as a soldier who lost her arms to war and the man she loved. However, he is alive, and she doesn’t know that. Violet navigates through life and learns the kind of love out there.
