Best Anime Characters of All Time: From Shonen Legends to Iconic Villains

Anime is full of unforgettable faces. Some characters make us laugh. Some make us cry. Some stay in our minds for years after we finish the show. When fans talk about the best anime characters, they do not only mean the strongest fighters. They mean the heroes, villains, and side characters who change the story and touch the audience.

In this blog, we will look at the best anime characters across different genres. We will talk about shonen legends, morally gray antiheroes, powerful mentors, strong female characters, terrifying villains, and emotional slice of life characters. We will also cover comedy icons and mascots that carry whole franchises on their backs.

Instead of throwing a random list at you, this guide is organized by character type. That means you can easily find new characters to love based on what you enjoy. Do you like intense battle shonen like Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, or Demon Slayer? Do you prefer deep and twisted stories like Death Note, Code Geass, and Attack on Titan? Or do you love emotional anime such as Fruits Basket and Violet Evergarden?

By the end of this blog, you will have a huge list of top anime characters to think about. You might even discover a new favorite.

What Makes A Best Anime Character

Before we start listing names, it helps to understand what makes a character truly great. The best anime characters have a few things in common.

Character Development

A flat character who never changes is easy to forget. The best anime protagonists and supporting characters grow over time. Naruto Uzumaki goes from lonely outcast to respected Hokage candidate. Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender is not Japanese anime, but he is often mentioned in fandom because his character arc is so strong. In real anime, we see similar growth in Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach and Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan. These characters change as they face losses, new enemies, and hard truths.

Emotional Impact

Think about the scenes that made you choke up or shout at the screen. Maybe it was Jiraiya in Naruto, Maes Hughes in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, or Kyojuro Rengoku in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. The best anime characters can make viewers feel something real. Happiness. Anger. Grief. Hope. A strong emotional reaction is a sign that a character is written well.

Cultural Influence

Some characters go beyond their anime. They become icons. Goku from Dragon Ball is known even by people who have never watched anime. Pikachu from Pokémon is one of the most famous fictional characters in the world. Light Yagami and L from Death Note inspire memes, fan art, and endless debate. These iconic anime characters help spread anime to new audiences and shape pop culture.

Story Importance

The best anime characters drive the story. They make choices that change the world around them. Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass is a perfect example. The entire plot revolves around his rebellion and his complex decisions. Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer pushes the story forward through his determination to cure his sister Nezuko. A good character is not just present. They are the heart of the narrative.

Throughout this blog we will focus on characters who shape their stories, connect with fans, and leave a lasting mark.

Legendary Shonen Protagonists Who Defined Generations

When people talk about the best anime characters, they often start with shonen heroes. These characters grow stronger through training, battles, and friendships. They inspire viewers to keep going, no matter how hard life feels.

Goku – Dragon Ball

Goku from Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z is one of the most famous anime protagonists. He loves to fight strong opponents, but not in a cruel way. He is pure hearted and cheerful. Goku is always eager to improve and protect his friends and family.

His Super Saiyan transformation against Frieza is one of the most iconic scenes in anime history. That moment defined power ups for many series that came after. Goku rarely stays the strongest forever. New enemies keep pushing him to train harder. This constant growth is a big reason why he appears on so many lists of the best anime characters of all time.

Naruto Uzumaki – Naruto

Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto and Naruto Shippuden starts as a loud, clumsy boy who is hated by his village. People fear him because the Nine Tailed Fox is sealed inside him. This loneliness shapes his personality. He craves attention and dreams of becoming Hokage so everyone will respect him.

Over time, Naruto grows into a powerful ninja and a true hero. He never gives up on his own dreams and he never gives up on other people. His bond with Sasuke Uchiha, his loyalty to Kakashi and Jiraiya, and his belief in peace make him one of the most iconic anime characters. Many viewers see themselves in Naruto, especially if they have felt ignored or underestimated.

Monkey D. Luffy – One Piece

Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece is another legendary shonen protagonist. He wants to become the Pirate King, not to rule the seas, but to gain ultimate freedom. Luffy is simple and straightforward. He laughs easily, eats a lot, and sometimes looks foolish. However, when his crew is in danger, he becomes serious and terrifying.

Luffy’s loyalty to his friends is unshakable. Moments like the fight with Arlong to free Nami, and the war at Marineford to save Ace, show how far he will go for those he loves. His combination of childish behavior and strong leadership makes him one of the most beloved and top anime characters ever created.

Ichigo Kurosaki – Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach is an ordinary high school student at first. He can see ghosts, which is unusual, but his life changes completely when he becomes a Substitute Soul Reaper. Ichigo is strong, but what stands out most is his sense of duty. He wants to protect his family and friends, even if it means risking his life.

Throughout Bleach, Ichigo struggles with his identity. He has human, Soul Reaper, Hollow, and Quincy powers. This mix makes him feel unsure about who he really is. That inner conflict gives his character depth and makes him interesting to follow.

Tanjiro Kamado – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a kind boy who suffers a terrible tragedy when demons kill his family. Only his sister Nezuko survives, but she turns into a demon. Tanjiro becomes a Demon Slayer to find a cure and protect her.

Unlike many shonen heroes, Tanjiro does not fight because he loves battle. He fights to save others. He shows kindness to demons and often feels sad when he has to kill them. His empathy and gentle heart, combined with his determination, make him one of the best anime protagonists of recent years.

Shonen leads like Goku, Naruto, Luffy, Ichigo, and Tanjiro stand at the front of many best anime characters lists. They are symbols of growth, friendship, and perseverance.

Complex Antiheroes And Morally Gray Legends

Not every great character is pure and heroic. Some of the best anime characters are antiheroes or morally gray figures. They make questionable choices, but we still understand them. They challenge our ideas of right and wrong.

Lelouch Lamperouge – Code Geass

Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a student by day and a masked revolutionary by night. With the power of Geass, he can command anyone to obey his orders once. He uses this ability to try to destroy the oppressive Empire of Britannia.

Lelouch is smart, manipulative, and ruthless at times. However, his main goal is to create a peaceful world for his sister Nunnally. The price he pays is heavy. Fans still argue about whether he is a hero or a villain. This constant debate proves how deep and complex his character is.

Light Yagami – Death Note

Light Yagami from Death Note begins with a twisted but clear idea of justice. When he finds the Death Note, a notebook that lets him kill anyone by writing their name, he decides to cleanse the world of criminals. At first, some viewers may even agree with him. Over time, his god complex grows. He becomes more and more willing to sacrifice innocent lives.

Light is one of the most famous anime antiheroes. His battle of wits with L is intense and gripping. He forces the audience to ask themselves a hard question. Would a crime free world be worth this price?

Eren Yeager – Attack on Titan

Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan is one of the most discussed characters in modern anime. He starts as a passionate boy who wants to kill all Titans after his mother dies. Later, as he learns more about the world beyond the walls, his goals and methods change drastically.

Without giving spoilers, it is fair to say that Eren becomes a deeply controversial figure. Many fans cannot decide if he is a tragic hero, a monster, or something in between. This moral confusion is exactly why he ranks so high among morally gray anime characters.

Gojo Satoru – Jujutsu Kaisen

Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the strongest sorcerers in his world. He is playful and teasing most of the time. He jokes around with his students, especially Yuji Itadori. However, when it comes to curses and the corrupt system of jujutsu sorcery, he becomes serious and even harsh.

Gojo wants to change the sorcerer world by training a new generation of students. His mix of overwhelming power, calm confidence, and hidden weight on his shoulders makes him a standout character. He may not be a villain, but he is not a traditional saintlike mentor either.

Antiheroes like Lelouch, Light, Eren, and Gojo keep fans hooked because they break simple labels like good and evil. They prove that some of the best anime characters are the most complicated ones.

Unforgettable Supporting Characters And Mentors

Main characters often get the spotlight, but many of the top anime characters are mentors or supporting figures. These characters guide the heroes, break our hearts, and sometimes steal every scene they appear in.

Kakashi Hatake – Naruto

Kakashi Hatake from Naruto is the cool, masked sensei of Team 7. At first he seems lazy and uninterested. He is always late and reads his little romance books. As the series goes on, we learn about his painful past, the loss of his friends, and his sense of responsibility.

Kakashi teaches Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura important lessons about teamwork, loyalty, and self control. He is a great example of a mentor who does not need to be loud to be respected.

Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan

Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan is known as humanity’s strongest soldier. He moves faster and hits harder than almost anyone else. He is quiet, blunt, and often cold on the surface. However, he cares deeply about his comrades and his cause.

Levi’s fights are some of the most exciting scenes in the series. At the same time, his reactions to loss and betrayal show a more emotional side. He is one of the best anime supporting characters because he combines brutal strength with a heavy emotional burden.

Jiraiya – Naruto

Jiraiya from Naruto is one of the most beloved mentors in anime. He is goofy, perverted, and often used for comic relief. However, he is also wise, powerful, and kind. He trains Naruto and believes in him when many others do not.

Jiraiya’s backstory and his relationship with Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko add a layer of sadness to his character. His final battle is one of the most emotional moments in Naruto. Many fans still consider him one of the best anime mentors ever written.

All Might – My Hero Academia

All Might from My Hero Academia is the Symbol of Peace. Everyone knows his smiling face and powerful punches. In public, he acts like an unshakable hero. In private, he is a tired man carrying a terrible injury and the pressure of the world’s expectations.

When All Might passes his quirk One For All to Izuku Midoriya, he starts a new chapter as a teacher. His struggle to protect the world while nurturing the next generation makes him a deeply inspiring character.

Kyojuro Rengoku – Demon Slayer: Mugen Train

Kyojuro Rengoku from Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is the Flame Hashira. He is cheerful, loud, and full of passion. He quickly becomes a mentor figure for Tanjiro and his friends. Although his screen time is limited, his impact is massive.

Rengoku’s fight on the Mugen Train and his final moments left many viewers in tears. His strong sense of duty and his warm personality make him one of the most memorable best anime characters in recent anime movies.

These mentors and supporting characters prove that you do not have to be the main hero to become a fan favorite.

Strong Female Anime Characters Who Redefine Strength

Anime has many powerful women who stand alongside or even surpass their male counterparts. These strong female anime characters show that strength is not only about physical power. It can also be about emotional resilience, intelligence, and courage.

Mikasa Ackerman – Attack on Titan

Mikasa Ackerman from Attack on Titan is one of the strongest fighters in the series. She is fast, focused, and deadly with her gear. She is deeply loyal to Eren Yeager and will do almost anything to protect him.

At the same time, Mikasa struggles with her feelings. She must face the difference between loving someone and blindly following them. This inner conflict makes her more than just a quiet warrior. She is a layered character who combines power with vulnerability.

Sakura Haruno and Tsunade – Naruto

Sakura Haruno from Naruto starts as a fairly ordinary genin who is more focused on romance than training. Over time, she becomes one of the strongest ninjas in the series. Under Tsunade’s guidance, she learns medical ninjutsu and gains monstrous strength. Her growth from insecure girl to reliable fighter is impressive.

Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, is another powerful woman in the series. She deals with trauma from losing loved ones and struggles with gambling and fear of responsibility. Despite her flaws, she protects the village and leads during crisis. Together, Sakura and Tsunade show different sides of female strength.

Nami and Nico Robin – One Piece

Nami from One Piece is the Straw Hat crew’s navigator. She is not the physically strongest, but she is one of the smartest. Her skills in map making, weather control with the Clima Tact, and reading situations make her vital to the crew. Her tragic past with Arlong adds depth to her character. She is brave and determined, even when she is terrified.

Nico Robin is the archaeologist of the crew. She has the power of the Hana Hana no Mi and a heavy past as a hunted child. She spent years on the run, never trusting anyone. Her slow decision to believe in Luffy and the crew, and her famous line “I want to live,” is one of the most emotional moments in One Piece.

Saber (Artoria Pendragon) – Fate/stay night

Saber, also known as Artoria Pendragon, from Fate/stay night is a noble and duty driven king. She carries the weight of her decisions as a ruler and questions whether she did the right thing in life. Her sense of honor and her inner regret create a powerful contrast.

Saber is not just a sword swinging warrior. She is a symbol of responsibility, sacrifice, and unfulfilled wishes. That is why she stands out among iconic anime characters from fantasy series.

Nezuko Kamado – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Nezuko Kamado from Demon Slayer is both a demon and a loving sister. Even after turning into a demon, she refuses to harm humans. She fights to protect Tanjiro and others, using her Blood Demon Art and her physical strength.

Nezuko represents family bonds and hope. She almost never speaks, yet she expresses a lot through her actions, expressions, and body language. She is a great example of how a character can be strong without long speeches.

These female characters prove that the best anime characters are diverse. Strength can be quiet, emotional, strategic, or explosive.

Iconic Anime Villains We Love to Hate

A great hero needs a great villain. Many of the best anime characters are terrifying antagonists who challenge the protagonist and leave a huge impact.

Frieza – Dragon Ball Z

Frieza from Dragon Ball Z is pure cruelty. He destroys planets for fun and treats his soldiers like tools. His fight with Goku on Planet Namek is legendary. It leads to Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation, one of the most famous scenes in anime history.

Frieza is simple in his evil, but his style, voice, and arrogance make him unforgettable.

Madara Uchiha and Pain (Nagato) – Naruto

Madara Uchiha from Naruto Shippuden is a legendary ninja with unbelievable power. He wants to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi to trap the world in a dream in order to remove suffering. His plan is extreme and dangerous, but it comes from a twisted desire for peace.

Pain, or Nagato, leads the Akatsuki for part of the series. His belief that true peace can only come from shared pain creates one of the strongest philosophical arcs in Naruto. The attack on Konoha and his confrontation with Naruto are some of the most emotional and thought provoking moments in the series.

Dio Brando – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Dio Brando from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is over the top and unapologetically evil. He seeks power for power’s sake, uses people, and enjoys causing pain. His dramatic lines and poses have turned him into a huge meme in the anime community.

Dio is the kind of villain you love to hate. His presence hangs over multiple parts of the JoJo story, making him one of the most iconic anime villains ever.

Meruem – Hunter x Hunter

Meruem from Hunter x Hunter is the King of the Chimera Ants. At first, he is merciless and cold. He sees humans as nothing more than food or toys. However, his relationship with Komugi, a blind girl who plays the game Gungi, changes him.

Through Komugi, Meruem slowly gains empathy and starts to question his own nature. His development from ruthless king to tragic figure is one of the most powerful villain arcs in anime. He shows that even an enemy can grow and feel.

These anime villains are essential to their stories. They help create some of the best fights, debates, and emotional moments in all of anime.

Emotional And Slice of Life Characters Who Feel Too Real

Not every great character fight in huge battles. Some of the best anime characters live in quieter stories. They deal with everyday struggles, mental health, grief, or relationships. These slice of life anime characters feel very close to real people.

Tohru Honda – Fruits Basket

Tohru Honda from Fruits Basket is a kind, optimistic girl who has lost her mother. She ends up living with the Sohma family, who are cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex.

Tohru does not have powers or combat skills. Her strength comes from her empathy. She listens to each member of the Sohma family and accepts them without judgment. Her gentle support helps them heal from emotional scars. She shows that kindness can change people as much as any super power.

Violet Evergarden – Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden from Violet Evergarden is a former soldier who was used as a weapon of war. After the war ends, she becomes an Auto Memory Doll, a person who writes letters for others. Through this job, she learns about love, grief, and regret.

Violet starts almost emotionless, but slowly she understands what the words “I love you” mean. Her journey is quiet but very powerful. She is one of the most touching emotional anime characters of recent years.

Hachiman Hikigaya – My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Hachiman Hikigaya from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU is a cynic. He believes that most social interactions are fake and prefers to stay alone. He joins the Service Club, where he helps other students with their problems alongside Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama.

Hachiman often sacrifices his own image and takes the blame so others can be happy. This self destructive habit makes him relatable to many viewers who feel misunderstood. His character shows that not all heroes are bright and cheerful.

Komi Shouko – Komi Can’t Communicate

Komi Shouko from Komi Can’t Communicate is beautiful and admired, but she has extreme communication anxiety. She cannot speak easily around others, which makes her seem cold or distant. In reality, she wants to make one hundred friends.

With the help of Hitohito Tadano, she slowly takes small steps toward that goal. Komi represents everyone who struggles with social anxiety. She is a gentle reminder that the desire to connect is universal.

These characters prove that some of the best anime characters do not need powers or big battles. They mirror our own feelings and help us feel less alone.

Comedy And Mascot Characters Who Steal the Spotlight

Anime is not all drama and tragedy. Comedy characters and mascots often become fan favorites because they bring balance, humor, and energy to the story.

Konata Izumi – Lucky Star

Konata Izumi from Lucky Star is a short, lazy otaku who loves games, anime, and manga. She makes meta jokes about anime culture and often breaks the usual expectations of a schoolgirl character. Her playful attitude and references to other series make her a favorite among long time fans.

Gintoki Sakata – Gintama

Gintoki Sakata from Gintama is a samurai in a world invaded by aliens. He runs an odd jobs business and is often lazy, greedy, and childish. However, when his friends are threatened or when serious arcs begin, he becomes a powerful and reliable protagonist.

Gintoki is a master of both comedy and drama. That range makes him one of the most unique and iconic anime characters.

Anya Forger – Spy x Family

Anya Forger from Spy x Family is a little girl who can read minds. She becomes the adopted daughter of spy Loid Forger and assassin Yor Forger, though none of them know each other’s secrets, except Anya.

Her funny faces, misinterpretations, and attempts to help her family’s missions make her one of the most lovable comedy anime characters. She also has tender moments that show her fear of being abandoned again.

Pikachu – Pokémon and Happy – Fairy Tail

Pikachu from Pokémon is one of the most famous anime mascots. It is not just a cute creature. The bond between Pikachu and Ash Ketchum is the emotional core of the series. They win and lose together and never give up on each other.

Happy from Fairy Tail is Natsu Dragneel’s partner. He is a small blue Exceed who can talk and fly. He provides comic relief, but he also supports Natsu and the guild emotionally.

Mascots and comedic characters like these keep heavy stories from becoming too dark. They make anime worlds feel warmer and more alive.

Why Character Design and Iconic Moments Matter

Even a well written character can be forgettable if the design and key scenes are weak. The best anime characters usually have strong visual designs and unforgettable moments.

Visual Design

Think about Goku’s orange gi and spiky hair, Naruto’s bright clothes and whisker marks, or Luffy’s straw hat and red vest. These looks are simple but instantly recognizable. Anime character design uses color, shape, and clothing to show personality at first glance.

Voice Acting

Voice actors bring characters to life. Mamoru Miyano as Light Yagami, Jun Fukuyama as Lelouch, Yuki Kaji as Eren, and many others add layers that cannot be seen in art alone. The tone, pauses, and emotion in their voices turn good scenes into great ones.

Iconic Scenes

Certain scenes define characters for fans. For example:

• Goku turning Super Saiyan against Frieza.
• Naruto declaring that he will become Hokage and be acknowledged by everyone.
• Luffy putting his straw hat on Nami’s head when she cries for help.
• Eren standing at the wall, looking at the outside world with burning determination.

These moments stay in our minds and are shared again and again online. They turn characters into legends.

Quotes And Memes

Lines like “It was me, Dio,” “I am justice,” or “Plus Ultra” spread across the internet. Memes keep characters alive long after their shows end. This cultural echo helps some characters rise to the top of best anime characters rankings.

How To Discover Your Own Favorite Anime Characters

With so many great characters, it might feel hard to choose your own favorites. Here are a few simple tips.

• Try different genres. Watch shonen like Naruto or My Hero Academia, slice of life like Komi Can’t Communicate, romance like Your Lie in April, psychological series like Death Note, or dark fantasy like Attack on Titan.
• Notice which themes hit you the hardest. Do you love stories about friendship, revenge, found family, healing, or ambition?
• Pay attention to which characters you keep thinking about after an episode ends. That is usually a sign that they connected with you.

Your personal list of best anime characters does not need to match any official ranking. It only needs to be true to you.

Conclusion: The Best Anime Characters Are the Ones That Stay with You

There is no single perfect list of the best anime characters. In this blog we explored shonen legends like Goku, Naruto, Luffy, Ichigo, and Tanjiro. We looked at anime antiheroes such as Lelouch, Light, Eren, and Gojo. We talked about mentors like Kakashi, Levi, Jiraiya, All Might, and Rengoku. We celebrated strong female anime characters like Mikasa, Sakura, Tsunade, Nami, Robin, Saber, and Nezuko. We remembered villains like Frieza, Madara, Pain, Dio, and Meruem. We also gave space to emotional and slice of life characters like Tohru, Violet, Hachiman, and Komi, as well as comedy icons and mascots like Konata, Gintoki, Anya, Pikachu, and Happy.

These top anime characters are different in power, personality, and genre. However, they all have something in common. They make us feel. They inspire us, disturb us, comfort us, or make us laugh when we need it most. That is why they are truly iconic anime characters.

Now it is your turn. Which characters would you add to your own list of the best anime characters of all time? Share your favorites, argue for them, and maybe recommend an anime or two to someone else. The next character that changes your life might be waiting in the next show you start.