While not a hard and fast rule, most anime have a little bit of humor baked within them. Whether evidenced in the characters' actions, or the silliness of the plot, anime will often utilize humor through its characters. In fact, many anime characters are beloved for their sense of humor. However, there are just as many characters who have no sense of humor at all.
These anime characters are either too serious, aloof, or dense. Sometimes these characters act as the serious opposite to more humorous character and their antics. Other times, these determined individuals accidentally become comedic relief in their own right through their lack of understanding. Despite their lack of humor, these serious anime characters still connect with fans.
10 Endeavor Can't Take A Joke
My Hero Academia
Endeavor is known for many things in the My Hero Academia universe, but one thing he isn't known for is his sense of humor. While All Might is loud, boisterous, and comical, Endeavor is strict, stand-offish, and critical.
Endeavor doesn't seem to understand humor. When his sidekicks or fellow pro-heroes try to joke with him, he doesn't get it. Sometimes he is even off-put by people's attempts at humor. Endeavor's ironically cold demeanor keeps him from engaging in the fun and joining in on the jokes.
9 Aki Is Solely Focused On Taking Out The Gun Devil
Chainsaw Man
Aki Hayakawa from Chainsaw Man is far too self-serious to take a joke. He is so focused on his goal of defeating the gun devil, he hardly takes time to do anything other than work harder to conquer his enemy.
Although Aki's only thought in life may be to take out the Gun Devil, the people around him do their best to worm their way into his life. Denji and Power, for example, give Aki companionship. They haven't been able to grant him a sense of humor, but if given the time, Aki might have learned how to laugh.
8 Megumi Is Serious When Everyone Around Him Is Silly
Jujutsu Kaisen
In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, sometimes it feels as if Megumi Fushiguro is the only one taking things seriously. Everyone else around him seems to joke and jest and be exceptionally rowdy at the most inappropriate times. By contrast, Megumi has always been rather serious, even as a child.
With the seemingly always chipper Gojo Satoru, and the happy and bubbly Tsumiki Fushiguro, Megumi was always pitted as the serious and responsible one. It's rare to see Megumi with anything other than an unimpressed frown on his face. Luckily, he has his friends to balance out his serious nature.
7 Akutagawa Is Too Serious To Take A Joke
Bungou Stray Dogs
Ryuunoske Akutagawa from Bungou Stray Dogs is far too serious for his own good. In fact, compared to his peers in the Port Mafia, he seems far more angst-ridden and immature than others. While Akutagawa's superiors may be intimidating and serious, they at least know how to take a joke.
Akutagawa, on the other hand, doesn't seem to understand when a joke is being told. This sometimes places put him in comical situations. Akutagawa's lack of a sense of humor can also lead people to mess with him while he is none the wiser.
6 Jokes Often Go Straight Over Todoroki's Head
My Hero Academia
Shoto Todoroki isn't the most emotional person in My Hero Academia. His naturally anti-social personality, combined with his hard home life, influences his more aloof behavior, which can make him appear distant from his peers. Because of this, Todoroki doesn't really have a sense of humor.
As Shoto gains more experience with friends, his emotional intuitiveness goes up. However, he still has a penchant for taking things extremely literally. Jokes go straight over his head most of the time, and he often can't read people's intent. This lack of a sense of humor, however, makes Shoto an endearing character fans love.
5 Haru Would Rather Swim Than Joke Around
Free!
Haruka Nanase from Free! is incredibly serious, never making a joke or engaging in any humorous activities. He rarely smiles and no one's seen him laughing. Some may classify Haruka as being dense.
Haru only cares about swimming free. Having a sense of humor isn't necessary to swim, and it's not on the top of his priorities. Haru's friends never disparage him for it. In fact, they embrace his serious and cool mannerisms and take his lack of humor in stride. His inability to joke around is simply a fun character quirk his friends love.
4 Hatori Is A Solemn & Stoic Person
Fruits Basket
Hatori Sohma from Fruits Basket is a very self-serious individual. Even before having to wipe his first girlfriend's memory, Hatori was always kind, but reserved and unhumorous. His sense of humor is incredibly lacking, sometimes completely missing the joke.
Hatori has an air of solemnity around him. He seems to carry heartbreak and wistfulness on his sleeve. Jokes don't come naturally to him, and he has a very hard time telling if someone is joking. Hatori's solemn and reserved personality doesn't leave much room for humor.
3 Ushijima Has No Charisma Or Sense Of Humor
Haikyuu!!
Wakatoshi Ushijima from Haikyuu!! is one of the best setters in the country. He is tall, muscular, and intimidating to all his opponents. However, Ushijima has all the charisma of a brick wall. Despite being a monster on the court, Ushijima is actually a bit inept when it comes to socializing.
Ushijima doesn't seem to understand jokes, or have any type of humor of his own. However, his stoic personality can contribute to already humorous circumstances. Ushijima only seems to understand volleyball. Anything beyond that is white noise to him.
2 Giyuu Is Made Fun Of For His Lack Of Humor
Demon Slayer
Tomioka Giyuu from Demon Slayer is a solemn Hashira that often gets picked on by the other Hashira for his serious demeanor and introverted personality. Giyuu has no sense of humor to speak of, often shying away from engaging in jokes or banter.
Giyuu is incredibly isolated from the other Hashira and the Demon Slayer Corps at large. He doesn't joke around or try to engage in conversations with others. Giyuu simply does his job, and then further isolates himself from others. He is incredibly serious and never drops that stoic mask for anyone.
1 Levi Has Been Hardened By The Harsh Realities Of Life
Attack on Titan
Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan is too battle-worn and jaded to have a sense of humor. He grew up in The Underground and was taken in by Kenny Ackerman, who taught him how to fight. Then Levi got left behind once his training was deemed sufficient.
Levi never developed a sense of humor. He was always too busy fighting to survive to have much joy in his life. Levi doesn't find the antics of his squad funny, nor does he humor them. However, he isn't cold or unfeeling. Levi cares about his soldiers, even if he can't make a joke.