The Best of The Best
Calling all anime lovers! It's time to discuss one of your favorite topics: the best, most beloved anime characters of all time. With this genre of media being so varied and creative, we've compiled a list of 20 of the best characters from old school classics to new favorites. Which ones are on your personal list, too?
1. Naruto Uzumaki
With his spiky yellow hair, piercing blue eyes, and unique whiskers, Naruto Uzumaki ranks first in many people's hearts as the most popular and beloved anime character of all time. Many of us grew up with this iconic character, falling in love with his quirky charm, tragic backstory, and endearing desire to do good.
2. Levi Ackerman
Is it possible for anyone to dislike Levi Ackerman, the embodiment of cool? With Attack on Titan being considered as one of the greatest animes of all time, it's no surprise that some of its characters will rank highly on many lists. And with Levi being so incredibly loyal, powerful, and such a capable leader, his complex story and attractive personality make him a favorite that's hard to deny.
clogz from Espoo, Finland on Wikimedia
3. Satoru Gojo
Would you say Satoru Gojo is the most powerful anime character to ever exist? Because we think you'd be able to put up a pretty strong debate for it!
When you combine his ability to control the "Infinity" alongside his dashingly good looks and charm, he's just bound for greatness.
4. Luffy
As the protagonist to one of the longest-running animes ever created, Luffy from One Piece belongs on every most beloved characters list because why else would people still be tuning in? Fans appreciate his undying loyalty to his crew and friends, his honest naivety, his fun carefree attitude, and his ability to always get back up after every failure.
5. Kakashi Hatake
As the man who stole everyone's hearts while growing up, Kakashi Hatake, Naruto's mentor, was beloved for his cool character design, calm and charming personality, and amazing combat skills. Everyone fell in love with his lightning-based abilities and seriously opened our eyes to how terrifying and powerful the Sharingan could truly be.
6. Son Goku
Many anime fans grew up watching Dragon Ball Z, meaning Son Goku will always have a permanent, special place in their hearts. Why? Because this character is undeniably good of heart. People will always rank Goku highly for his pureness, desire to improve himself and become stronger, and dedication in protecting the ones he loves. His optimistic outlook is just so contagious!
7. Light Yagami
Another one of the greats, Death Note is a very well-received anime with incredible rewatchability all thanks to its main characters. Light Yagami, though complicated and questionable, is a character everyone loves and appreciates because of his wit, charm, and mindblowing intelligence.
Getting to watch Light battle with L was an epic battle of the brains that left fans in awe.
8. Edward Elric
Coming from one of the most highly-rated animes of all time, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Edward Elric is more than just a fictional character, he's relatable, loyal to a fault, and carries a very strong moral compass that make fans fall for him. It's hard not to love such a fleshed-out character who feels real yet also carries such important values.
Piotrus (User:Piotrus) on Wikimedia
9. Ichigo Kurosaki
Considering Bleach is often regarded as one of the "Big Three" animes, Ichigo Kurosaki is another example of a character many fans grew up with. While his physical appearance is iconic, with his fiery, orange hair, what people love most is watching him attempt to balance his superhero double life. Trying to be a normal teenager while fighting off the supernatural isn't exactly an easy task, but we sure love watching Ichigo do his best at it.
10. Anya Forger
Though Spy x Family is one of the newer animes on this list, we can't deny that Anya Forger stole our hearts the moment she appeared on the screen. Not only does she look adorable, she's the biggest troll too, providing viewers with plenty of laughs every time she pulls off one of her weird expressions.
11. Sailor Moon
Although Sailor Moon is definitely not one of the most watched or most highly-rated animes by any means, she's an icon in the world of anime and manga. Her outfit, hair, and catchphrase all all incredibly memorable, and we're sure whenever you see her, it unlocks a deep core memory you didn't realize you had. She's that famous and beloved!
12. Pikachu
Yes, Pikachu might not be able to speak like the other characters on this list, but he's definitely one of the most recognized in all of anime. As Ash's trusty right-hand companion, this lovable, electric-type Pokemon was also our fictional best friend as we followed along on all their adventures.
13. Saitama
Better known as "One Punch Man," this derpy-looking character is actually unbelievably powerful - which is what fans love so much about him. Bringing the best of both strength and humor, Saitama is a unique character that doesn't really take himself too seriously. Which is hilarious given he has the incredible power of being able to defeat any opponent with well, one punch!
14. Tohru Honda
For fans of romance and slice-of-life animes, it doesn't get much better than the classic, Fruits Basket. While the show might start off as mindless and innocent, it slowly begins to touch upon dark themes that only work because of Tohru Honda.
It's impossible to dislike this beautifully selfless and kind girl as she works her magic and helps heal the cursed zodiac family. Fans love just how genuine, loving, and gentle she is.
15. Shoyo Hinata
Speaking of radiant bundles of joy, the popular favorite, Haikyu!!, features one of the most motivating characters ever made: Shoyo Hinata. Despite his short height, his passion and dreams of being the best spiker allow viewers to fall in love with his innocence, naivety, and vibrant personality. He always tries his best, which makes it impossible for fans not to root for him.
clogz from Espoo, Finland on Wikimedia
16. Itachi Uchiha
One of the highlights of Naruto? We'd argue most fans would say Itachi Uchiha. Not just because of his cool powers and great character design, but because of the emotional weight he brings to the show. Though he commits a terrible crime, he's the perfect example of how not all characters are as they're shown to be. His tragic backstory and complex nature make him a character that continues to stand out all these years.
Tehsigo Eternamente from USA on Wikimedia
17. Mikasa Ackerman
Who doesn't love a strong female anime character that stands up for herself? In Attack on Titan, Mikasa has always been a standout character because of her strong personality, confidence in her abilities, and her cool and collected nature. What's not to love?
18. Kaguya Shinomiya
Romance and comedy fans, we know you've been waiting for her appearance. Kaguya Shinomiya, one of the main protagonists from Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, is a popular favorite because of her stubbornness, cuteness, and natural ability to be funny. People find her innocence to be incredibly endearing as she learns to navigate friendships and love.
19. Lelouch Lamperouge
Not only does he have a fantastic name, Lelouch Lamperouge is as cool and confident as it gets. While he's incredibly well-written, showcasing his amazing intelligence and strategic thinking, what fans love the most is that the show doesn't hesitate to display his flaws too. It's what makes him a well-rounded character that resonates with people.
20. Tony Tony Chopper
Often just referred to as Chopper for short, this strange human-reindeer hybrid of a character is well-beloved by many. Just look at him - it's hard not to! Generally seen as a fun character that almost resembles sort of a "mascot" given his animal-like appearance, he makes One Piece come even more alive.
