There are all sorts of relationships that anime are able to elegantly navigate, but often the most fulfilling example is when the lines between hero and villain, enemy and ally, blur together. Anime tell giant, exaggerated stories that often culminate with a big showdown between good and evil, which pushes anime to develop some truly twisted antagonists.
Anime also trades in many tropes, and a big convention that’s often repeated is the idea that villains receive redemption and turn over to the side of the good guys. These transformations apply to some of anime’s most satisfying relationships and demonstrate that change is always possible.
10 Vegeta & Goku Have Turned Into Anime’s Most Iconic Frenemies
It’s become a bit of a running joke in the Dragon Ball universe that Goku continually gives defeated enemies a chance at redemption and to turn things around. It’s rare that this works and many villains just use it as an excuse for one last attack. However, Vegeta is perhaps the most prominent example of a former enemy of Goku that’s since become a crucial ally. For the longest time, Vegeta was just amicable around Goku, but over the years they’ve legitimately become friends and learned to appreciate the value of the other.
9 Hiei & Yusuke Put Their Demonic Differences Aside For The Greater Good
Yu Yu Hakusho is an important shonen anime series from the ‘90s that gracefully fulfills many of the genre’s tropes, including the hero’s ability to rehabilitate enemies into friends. Yusuke Urameshi begins his spirit detective journey with just the help of Botan, but he slowly accumulates a team that’s made up of both humans and demons alike. Hiei, as well as Kurama, enter the anime as opponents for Yusuke, but they turn into some of his earliest companions. Hiei possesses exceptional power and Yusuke is lucky that Hiei remains loyal and doesn’t return to his old ways.
8 Noriaki Kakyoin & Jotaro Kujo Are Stand Users Who Are Stronger Together In Stardust Crusaders
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure tells a sprawling story across multiple generations and Stardust Crusaders attempts to conclude the original conflict that’s started between DIO and the Joestar family. Stardust Crusaders brings its characters to Egypt on the hunt for DIO and the many mercenaries that he assembles.
Noriaki Kakyoin and his Hierophant Green Stand become exceptional members of the Stardust Crusaders team, but he first appears as an enemy who’s brainwashed by DIO to execute Jotaro. Jotaro helps Kakyoin regain his senses and he repays the favor through his strength and loyalty.
7 Scar’s Acceptance Of Edward & Al Speaks Toward Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s Bright Future
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a beloved anime because of many of its carefully constructed character dynamics. The loving, flawed bond between Edward and Alphone drives much of the action, but Fullmetal Alchemist also makes sure that many of its antagonists also receive satisfactory development. Scar begins as a vicious enemy with an undying grudge against Alchemists because of what they did to his people. Scar is confronted with compassion by others and as he gradually sees more shades of grey, he learns to soften up and align with Edward and Alphonse rather than perpetuate more hate.
6 Sesshomaru & Inuyasha’s Deep Sibling Rivalry Pulls Them Apart & Together
InuYasha is a curious shonen series that finds a precarious balance between the action-heavy sensibilities of shonen series and the romantic angle that’s often present in shojo material. Inuyasha’s tender bond with Kagome is deeply sweet, but the other major relationship with Inuyasha struggles with is his connection with his own brother, Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru has resented Inuyasha since their youth and how they were played against each other. Sesshomaru remains cold, but he’s able to understand the greater good and he works alongside Inuyasha to take on larger demonic threats, like Naraku, when it’s necessary.
5 Gajeel Redfox Finds A Purpose When He’s Welcomed Into The Fairy Tail Guild With Natsu
Fairy Tail takes some time for certain characters to click into place, particularly its protagonist, Natsu Dragneel, but there's a surprisingly layered job done with Gajeel Redfox, a former enemy. Gajeel used to be a member of the Phantom Lord Guild, who actively struck first blood against the Fairy Tail team.
The Phantom Lord Guild eventually disintegrates and Gajeel finds himself without a purpose. In a touching act of compassion, Gajeel is accepted into Fairy Tail, and this faith and responsibility allow Gajeel to truly come alive and apply himself more productively than ever before.
4 Maka Shows Crona That Life Doesn’t Need To Be Full Of Death In Soul Eater
Some enemies are born from rage and can't understand an existence that doesn't revolve around anger, but there are some foes who are victims of circumstance and can't help the villainous path that life leads them down. Soul Eater's Crona is turned into a murderous monster by her abusive mother, and she doesn't understand just how much she's been brainwashed. Crona's first meeting with Maka triggers an epiphany where Crona suddenly wants to protect others, not hurt them, and finally gains the clarity to question her mother and build new and healthy relationships.
3 Gaara Gets Pulled Into Darkness Before Naruto Opens His Eyes
Naruto sometimes loses its way with lengthy filler sagas and a repetitive structure, but the anime does a very good job with its ability to empathize with the enemy. Gaara is a fascinating foe for Naruto because they have a very similar past, only Gaara didn't experience any acceptance. He's treated like a monster and attacked by his own family. Naruto is the first one who's able to show Gaara understanding and their connection is the push that Gaara needs to turn away from the darkness.
2 Gintama’s Takasugi Shinsuke & Sakata Gintoki Have Deep History Together
There are very few anime series that can run for more than 350 episodes and actively get better with each new installment, but Gintama somehow makes it look easy. Gintama engages in a lengthy narrative across these episodes and the first major antagonist is Takasugi Shinsuke, the leader of the Kiheitai extremist group. Shinsuke has ties to Gintoki's past, which makes their showdown difficult, but helps move them to a place of understanding. Shinsuke slowly shifts into the role of ally once Utsuro rises as Gintama's true foe.
1 Zeke Jaeger & Eren Jaeger Engage In A Shaky Alliance In Attack On Titan
Attack on Titan is full of surprises and twists from the very first episode and the identity of several Titans serves as a serious turning point in the anime’s earlier seasons. It’s a major shock to learn that Eren’s estranged brother, Zeke, is the villainous Beast Titan. However, an even more surprising turn takes place during the final season when Eren and Zeke appear to be working together. The two understand that their unique abilities and positions are the only way to end the ongoing conflict between Eldia and Marley, even if they still don’t fully trust each other.