Anime continues to be one of the most exciting and challenging forms of entertainment, and it’s only become more popular over the past decades. Anime is able to indulge in limitless varieties of storytelling that are able to create new archetypes as well as pay service to older traditions, like the classical roles of heroes and villains.
Some of the most complex heroes are at the center of popular anime series, but it often requires a creative and terrifying villain for a series to truly connect. What’s even more interesting is when these lines get blurred during the call of action and there are some courageous protagonists that get pushed to the dark side.
10 Ken Kaneki Becomes The Very Thing That He Hates Throughout Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul’s Ken Kaneki becomes a human-ghoul hybrid and he struggles with his ghoul impulses, but he remains a hero and an important figure to help change relations between humans and ghouls in society. It's difficult for Kaneki to retain his humanity and he eventually reaches his breaking point after undergoing severe torture and manipulation. The Kaneki that emerges is a danger to the entire world. Tokyo Ghoul tries to find ways to subdue Kaneki and people may not resent him for the gigantic and destructive monster that he's become, but he's still viewed as the predominant problem.
9 Jaden Yuki Becomes Possessed & Turned Into An Evil Overlord In Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
It’s surprising to think of a franchise that’s as kid-friendly as Yu-Gi-Oh! that pushes its hero into such dark and disturbing territory. The anime begins with Jaden Yuki, a jovial protagonist who in season three needs to head to a demonic world in order to rescue his kidnapped friend. However, this turns out to be a trap that leads to Jaden’s possession and transformation into the Supreme King. The Supreme King kills and imprisons countless duel spirits and tortures Jaden’s friends. Even after Jaden returns to normal, he seems to be changed and that he’s lost his innocence.
8 Code Geass’s Lelouch Lamperouge Becomes Worse Than The Evil Empire He Conquers
Code Geass explores a fictionalized version of Japan that's oppressed by Britannia. Its hero, Lelouch Lamperouge, begins in an honorable place that feels familiar with a lot of anime protagonists. Lelouch pledges to free Japan and create a new world that's better for everyone.
However, it doesn't take long for Lelouch's moral compass to shift and he's willing to abandon his values in order to get what he wants. The most devastating blow is when his own sister becomes collateral damage in his quest for absolute power. It’s a stark transformation that makes Code Geass such a compelling series.
7 Fairy Tail’s Irene Belserion Loses Her Spark & Is Pushed To Dark Places
Fairy Tail gets into some fascinating character dynamics and there are many pained individuals who get torn between Natsu and Zeref, who each represent different sides of a growing war. Irene Belserion is someone who begins in a very sweet place, but harsh neglect fundamentally changes her, especially when her husband can’t accept her after her dragonification. Irene goes through various forms through attempts to have her kind self brought back, but it only leaves her mind further frayed and she defects to the dark side.
6 Slaine Troyard Gets Broken By The Cruelties Of War In Aldnoah.Zero
Aldnoah.Zero features some curious ideas as it looks at Earth's subjugation to a more technologically advanced people and the advent of Aldnoah energy. Earth's safety is a major concern and Slaine Troyard is a faithful and reliable soldier during all of this. Slaine completely snaps after he lands on Earth and learns some bad news about the woman whom he's harbored feelings for. Slaine's madness leads to the death of his commander, and it turns the thoughtful fighter into a frightening loose cannon who's never the same.
5 Devilman Crybaby’s Ryo Is Akira’s Puppet Master More Than He’s His Friend
There have been many takes on Go Nagai's Devilman franchise, but Masaaki Yuasa's recent interpretation, Devilman Crybaby, is one of the most layered explorations of the material. Ryo Asuka is presented as Akira Fudo's best friend and source of support.
He's the one that convinces Akira to become Devilman and helps him through his journeys, only for it to be revealed that Ryo is in fact the fallen angel, Satan. Ryo may love Akira, but he forces the two of them to fight and becomes Akira's destruction more than he ever helped him in life.
4 Light Yagami Becomes Corrupted By The Death Note’s Power
Power is a dangerous thing and even the kindest individuals can get corrupted under the right circumstances. Death Note's Light Yagami considers himself a hero and social warrior when he first finds the titular Death Note and uses its powers to take out criminals and those that have done wrong. This power changes Light from a typical teenager into a vindictive egomaniac, and he soon abuses the Death Note to kill anyone that gives him trouble. He becomes focused on his own preservation more than any sort of justice. It’s what makes Death Note so haunting.
3 Shiro’s Wretched Egg Becomes Ganta’s Biggest Enemy In Deadman Wonderland
Deadman Wonderland is a gripping horror anime that isn’t afraid to go to dark places. The anime is set within an unconventional prison with an eclectic mix of prisoners who are both dangerous people who deserve to be there as well as those who are innocent victims of circumstance. Shiro begins as an innocent character and she acts like an ally towards Ganta after his incarceration, but Shiro’s years of abuse in prison have developed a murderous alternate personality known as the Wretched Egg that often presents itself. It makes Shiro both Ganta’s best friend and his worst enemy.
2 Griffith Turns From A Partner To A Murderous Tyrant Who’s Mad For Power
Berserk is an aggressive and violent action series, but it does have some real emotional moments of heart throughout it. Griffith's descent into villainy is tragic, especially since he and Guts begin as teammates after Guts loses a duel to him. Griffith doesn't take well to their separation and it sets the noble warrior to turn to a path of conquest where he's hungry for land and power. Griffith recklessly kills dozens of his allies in order to gain supernatural powers and progress his control over others.
1 Attack On Titan’s Final Season Explores The Dangers Of Eren Jaeger’s Power
Attack on Titan is a true masterpiece in storytelling that has evolved into a deep vehicle about the cost of war and the dangers of power. Eren Jaeger is Attack on Titan’s stalwart hero since the show’s start, but he’s hardened by the lives that he takes and the grand importance of his mission. The end begins to justify the means for Eren and he convinces himself that his dangerous methods are the only way to repair the world. It’s a chilling transformation, especially when those that are closest to Eren, like Mikasa and Armin, no longer recognize their friend.