For every great anime protagonist, there are countless villains who hide in the shadows, waiting for the right opportunity to enact their plans of world domination. Thanks to the anime community's love of heroic main characters, these dastardly plans are rarely enacted. However, every so often, these villains are actually able to have an everlasting impact on their respective series.
Successful anime villains may be scarce, but that does not mean they don't exist. A few iconic antagonists have realized their plans and changed the world they call home, even if their role in the narrative isn't a major one. Accordingly, they should be recognized for their achievements.
10 Eren Yaeger Launched An Attack On The Entire World
Attack On Titan
Anime fans have praised Attack on Titan since its release in 2013, but as of late, the show's viewership has reached levels of popularity that's rivaled by few series in the medium's history. A huge reason for this development is the convincing evolution of Eren Yaeger from a lovable protagonist to a morally reprehensible villain.
After obtaining the power of the Attack, Warhammer, and Founding Titans, Eren launches an attack on every nation outside Eldia, flattening much of the world in the process. Regardless of whether the show's protagonists are able to stop him, Jaeger undoubtedly left his mark on the world of Attack on Titan.
9 Muzan Kibutsuji Spread His Demonic Affliction Throughout Japan
Demon Slayer
Most shonen anime establish their major antagonists fairly quickly but rarely do they play as significant a role as Demon Slayer's Muzan Kibutsuji. The malevolent villain runs into Tanjiro Kamado during the early stages of the protagonist's journey, but even more importantly, Muzan is the source of the affliction that plagues the Demon Slayer Corps' enemies.
As seen throughout Demon Slayer, demons cause major problems for the citizens of Japan. The horrifying creatures regularly abduct civilians, and when Demon Slayers do manage to combat them, it often results in vast amounts of collateral damage for the surrounding area. Muzan orchestrates their forces from the shadows, making it hard for any heroes to stand in his way.
8 Majin Buu Wiped Out Most Of Earth's Population
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is brimming with capable villains, and while Frieza and Cell may occupy a rarified air among anime villains, Majin Buu actually wreaks the most havoc throughout Planet Earth. He enjoys multiple power-ups during his conflict with the Z Fighter, including the monumentally strong "Super Buu" form that kills the vast majority of Earth's inhabitants.
In an attempt to buy time against Super Buu, Piccolo suggests that the villain entertains himself by taking out some of Earth's humans, knowing that they could be wished back with the planet's Dragon Balls. However, in a shocking twist, Buu performs his Human Extinction Attack, killing every single person on Earth except the Z Fighters and their closest companions.
7 Blackbeard Ushered In The New Era
One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy's grand journey to become One Piece's next Pirate King takes place during a period of worldwide political upheaval, allowing characters like Marshall D. Teach to take advantage of the situation. For much of One Piece, Teach (also known as Blackbeard) operates as part of the World Government-appointed Seven Warlords of the Sea.
After using his title as a Warlord to capture Portgas D. Ace, setting the events of the Summit War in motion, Blackbeard then deals the killing blow to Edward Newgate. By killing Whitebeard, Teach launches the world into the New Era and forcibly brings about rapid change in One Piece.
6 The Major Manufactured An Army Of Fascist Vampires
Hellsing
Hellsing is no stranger to mass causality events, as it is set in a world that's still recovering from the wake of a vampire-filled World War II. Although the Nazi Party was still defeated in this universe, many of its members escaped to South America, and eventually, The Major took control of their forces.
The Major's primary goal is a simple one: waging a never-ending war against the world that scorned him and his allies. To do so, he manufactures thousands of inhuman hybrids, including many man-made vampires that sew discord throughout much of the Hellsing franchise.
5 All For One Ruled A Superhuman Society
My Hero Academia
For as much good that All Might has done for the world of My Hero Academia, his efforts still pale in comparison to his villainous counterpart, All For One. When Quirks first began to form around the world, All For One used his power, to steal and transfer Quirks, to seize control of Japan.
With this overwhelming power, the All For One ruled with an iron fist for decades, building an empire predicated upon his ever-growing list of abilities. His oppression eventually led the powers of One For All to manifest into the form used by Izuku Midoriya, forever changing the history of My Hero Academia.
4 Light Yagami Wreaked Havoc With Shinigami Powers
Death Note
Death Note centers around a single notebook that possesses the ability to kill any human whose name is written within. Light Yagami finds this supernatural artifact in Death Note's first episode, and from this point on, he sews discord throughout the world by killing anyone who he deems unworthy of living in his future utopia.
According to semi-canon sources, Light Yagami ended the lives of over 100,000 people, many of whom occupied significant roles in society. Although his obsession with the Death Note eventually led to his death, Light clearly used its abilities to maximum effect.
3 The Ant King Took Down The Greatest Hunter Of A Generation
Hunter X Hunter
It may come as a shock to some fans, but Hunter x Hunter takes place in a tiny lake that is surrounded by an incomprehensibly enormous continent. Meruem, the all-powerful Ant King, is the strongest character seen throughout Hunter X Hunter and one of the few creatures shown to fans that hail from this outer continent.
During his brief time in Hunter x Hunter, Meruem completely alters the course of humanity's history. He introduces the youngest generation (i.e. Killua and Gon) to the true potential of Nen, ends the life of the world's most established Hunter (Netero), and prompts humans to turn their eyes towards outward exploration.
2 Madara Built The Hidden Leaf Village Alongside His Greatest Rival
Naruto: Shippuden
A large portion of the Naruto series takes place in the Hidden Leaf Village, one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries in the Land of Fire. While a variety of different characters have played a role in the nation's development, arguably no individual was more crucial to its formation than the legendary Madara Uchiha.
Madara is as talented as any shinobi in Naruto history. However, his desire for control makes him more of a threat than a benefit to the advancement of society. He may have helped form the Hidden Leaf Village, but his skewed perspective on the world is what allowed Obito, Zetsu, and Kaguya to rise to power many years later.
1 Griffith Plunged The World Into An Era Of Darkness
Berserk
The world of Berserk has never been very cheery. Bandits, plagues, and demons decorate its landscape, yet for much of Berserk, two characters provide hope that these circumstances can one day be avoided: Guts and Griffith. The duo is immensely powerful, and by combining their efforts, they obtain the political and physical power needed to fight back. Unfortunately, at the worst possible moment, Griffith switches sides to join the devilish God's Hand.
The former Band of the Falcon leader forgoes his humanity in favor of this transformation, giving him the power that he needed to transform the world of Berserk. Griffith's impact is felt immediately, and it launches the Physical World down a dark path that is full of treachery and demonic influence.