Many villains are defined by their incorrigible actions and wickedness. They spent their entire lives dealing out injustice and making their victims suffer substantial pain. However, they are often more nuanced than they seem.
Dozens of anime villains have a surprising amount of conscience, taking it upon themselves to do the right thing even without obligation. Acts of redemption might range from sparing bystanders to undoing their entire initial plan, allowing fans to sympathize with their position and psychology.
10 Zeldris Betrayed The Demon King (Seven Deadly Sins)
As his previously most ardent enforcer, Zeldris' betrayal of the Demon King came as a surprise to audiences. However, the villain had a number of good reasons for turning his back against his father. The Demon King was not fully honest about his intentions for the Ten Commandments' raid.
He had hoped to use Zeldris' body as a vessel for his return. Additionally, Zeldris wanted to reunite with his vampire lover, who he had once thought to be dead after years of separation. Because of these two reasons, Zeldris was willing to put aside his grudge against Meliodas
9 Stain Saved Deku From The Nomu (My Hero Academia)
Stain was put in an awkward position toward the end of his vigilante career. When nomu attacked the city, he could either save Deku, who had just prevented him from doing his job, or let him die.
Since the latter option would go against his principles, Stain risked his life to strike down the nomu. Although it did not prevent his arrest moments later, it portrayed him in a much more favorable light both to the heroes of Japan and his current followers.
8 Meruem Chose Forgiveness Over Revenge (Hunter X Hunter)
After being badly irradiated by Netero's nuclear bomb, Meruem was restored stronger than ever by his royal guards. Now at the pinnacle of evolution itself, he could destroy his remaining enemies in a final act of revenge.
However, Meruem realized that he was still poisoned and only had a few more hours to live at most. Therefore, he dismissed the remaining hunters and spent the rest of his time with Komugi. Meruem's conscious decision to put humanity over vengeance raises the question of how he would have changed if he survived.
7 Fujitora Allowed Luffy To Escape Dressrosa (One Piece)
After realizing the extent of Doflamingo's corruption, Fujitora assisted Luffy in halting the bird cage at Dressrosa. Since he was technically siding with a pirate over a warlord of the sea, this was already a selfless decision that put his career as an admiral at risk.
However, Fujitora proved even more noble when letting Luffy escape from the country shortly afterward. While he may still serve the corrupt World Government, Fujitora acted with more conscience than any other person in his station would have. As a result, he prevented what could've been a horrific massacre.
6 In The End, Wave Conquered His Superstition & Stopped The Empire (Akame Ga Kill!)
Having been fed the Empire's dogma growing up, Wave initially proved a loyal servant to the Jaegers. However, close proximity to the Emperor and his advisor helped him see the terrible truth behind the country and why such a strong rebellion existed in the first place.
When the Emperor attacked with a massive mech, Wave made the choice to assist Tatsumi rather than oppose him. By working together, the two young men minimized the already high death toll.
5 Dorian Showed Restraint After Realizing His Own Paradoxical Existence (Baki)
Dorian was an escaped convict who never lost a fight. Using a plethora of underhanded techniques, he systemically destroyed the country's finest martial artists until virtually no one could oppose him.
Though he easily could have continued his path of destruction, a young man told him that since he'd never actually lost, he defeated himself. This sent Dorian into a state of despair and compelled him to end his rampage. While Dorian's intentions may not have been noble, his restraint illustrated self-awareness and reflection.
4 Nagato Restored All Of Konoha At The Cost Of His Life (Naruto)
After his Six Paths were defeated, Nagato and Naruto met in person. Despite the villain's attacks, Naruto appealed to his humanity and the teachings of their late mentor, Jiraiya.
Touched by his words, Nagato used his rinnegan to restore the lives of everyone in Konoha. However, his body had already been pushed past its limit. As a result, he used his final breath to correct what could have been the worst catastrophe in the entire series.
3 Satsuki Kiryuin Betrayed Her Mother To Save The World (Kill La Kill)
Satsuki Kiryuin was the leader of Honnoji Academy. Her institution was supported by Ragyo in hopes that, when the time came, they would overthrow humanity as mother and daughter. Despite Ryuko's best efforts, Satsuki was in a position to capitalize on her mother's invasion and put an end to her sibling rival.
Instead, Satsuki extended an offer of friendship, even volunteering for Ryuko to strike her down so long as they worked together. Satsuki's actions displayed humility, depth, and selflessness for the people who she had come to treasure.
2 Wamuu Would Not Let Anyone Interfere In His Duel With Joseph (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
Wamuu originally fought Joseph in a grand arena. Their match was decided roughly a month ahead when the villain implanted poison into his opponent's body. Although Joseph fought underhandedly, Wamuu acknowledged him as a worthy rival and respected the legitimacy of the duel.
As a result, he used the last of his strength to fight Kars' minions personally when they swarmed the exhausted hero. Though mildly annoyed, Kars was glad that Wamuu was not alive to protest his cheating in the battle against Lisa Lisa.
1 Reiner Saved Humanity From Eren (Attack On Titan)
At first, Reiner debuted as an outright villain. He sought to annihilate the people of Paradis without justification or context behind his actions. After Eren obtained the Founder's power and began the Rumbling, however, Reiner assumed an entirely new mission.
By joining with the allied coalition, he stood against the end of the world and held back the Source of All Living Matter. Without his immense strength, it would have returned to Eren and allowed him to resume his global genocide. Reiner even resisted his transformed friends while restraining it, which gave Mikasa the time she needed to kill Eren.