Hajime Isayama's dour, apocalyptic epic Attack on Titan initially engaged audiences with its suspenseful man versus monster narrative. Over time, Attack on Titan has evolved in truly surprising ways that set new standards in storytelling and challenging character development.
The Attack on Titan manga has reached its conclusion, and the anime will soon also be over after delivering years of entertainment. The final act of the series is full of grand gestures and unbelievable spectacles that highlight how much these characters have grown. By the end of Attack on Titan, there are a group of individuals who stand out as the coolest characters of all.
10 Gabi Braun Emerges As One Of Her People's Greatest Warriors
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Gabi Braun, like many of the Marleyan Warriors, doesn't gain prominent traction until the fourth season of the series and the radical shift in perspective that comes along with it. Gabi is treated like a villain, and her people are in opposition of the Survey Corps, but they're really just victims of different circumstances.
Gabi's accomplishments are nothing short of incredible, and she becomes one of the most valuable members of the combined resistance group that rises up to take out Eren. She's the one who's responsible for initially shooting off Eren's head and nearly ending his reign of terror before he can initiate the Rumbling.
9 Sasha Braus Is A Beacon Of Strength And Positivity
Sasha Braus is a dedicated member of the Survey Corps, and even though she doesn't often lead the charge in battle she still serves an indispensable role for the heroes. The horrors of war completely consume many warriors, but Sasha is a rare exception who's able to retain her optimism in humanity while she slays behemoths.
Sasha's zest for food becomes one of her most endearing traits and an important reminder that every soldier in this war is a real person. Sasha's unexpected death is a crucial catalyst for Eren and company, and she goes out as a brave martyr.
8 Annie Leonhart Is A Vicious Sleeper Agent Who Turns Into An Unlikely Ally
The mystery of the powerful Female Titan drives forward the second season of Attack on Titan, and Annie Leonhart emerges as a formidable foe and a serious adversary for Eren's Attack Titan.
Annie comes from a harsh background and has been manipulated by causes for destructive purposes. Her accomplishments as an enemy are impressive, but after she's thawed out of her crystal prison, she turns into crucial support for the dedicated attack on Eren. She's both incredibly powerful and deeply committed to her father as she attempts to secure some sort of peace for the world.
7 Armin Arlert Consistently Matures And Becomes Fitting Of The Colossal Titan Title
Practically every character in Attack on Titan experiences tremendous growth since the start of the series, but Armin's metamorphosis is especially impressive. Initially, Armin comes across as the most passive and precious member of Eren and Mikasa's group of friends.
Armin struggles to find confidence, but he fully comes into his own when he's chosen to become the Colossal Titan over Erwin and shoulder the responsibilities that come with this. Armin doesn't waste this new power and his contributions in the final seasons are vital to the heroes' survival. Erwin Smith would be proud.
6 Jean Kirstein Slowly Accepts The Call To Greatness
The heroes in Attack on Titan face so many casualties by the end of the series, which affects everyone in different ways. Jean Kirstein is a decent supporting player of the Survey Corps who actually convinced many of the soldiers to enlist in the first place.
Jean survives while others fall, and it causes him to mature into an impressive leader during the final battles for humanity. Jean never gives up, and his fearlessness when it comes to protecting others and fighting for what he believes in turns him into a surprising highlight of the last season.
5 Erwin Smith's Unwavering Leadership Continues To Inspire Soldiers
The earlier episodes of Attack on Titan focus so much on Eren and the budding recruits of the Survey Corps that some of the more established members can feel like they're held away at a distance.
The audience doesn't get to form as strong of a bond with Commander Erwin Smith as they do with other characters, but he makes his mark as a courageous leader who puts his cause above himself. Erwin's dedication costs him an arm, and later his life, but the onslaught that he launches on the Beast Titan is one of the series' most powerful sequences.
4 Mikasa Ackerman's Loyalty Is As Strong As Her Battle Skills
Mikasa Ackerman is just a fragile orphan at the start of Attack on Titan, yet she endures multiple trials by fire and hardens into a revered fighter who's at the top of her trade. Mikasa is an emotional character, and the somewhat toxic codependency that she's formed with Eren becomes a challenging cross to bear.
Mikasa's complicated feelings don't cloud her head in battle, and her skills are nearly on par with Levi's. Mikasa needs to really search her soul after Eren transforms into the Founding Titan, but she comes out of the other side stronger.
3 Eren Jaeger Changes The Face Of History Through His Bold Actions
The greatest magic trick that Attack on Titan pulls on its audience is how its put-upon protagonist, Eren Jarger, grows up to be the greatest danger to humanity. The beauty of this transformation is the slow, believable manner in which it plays out.
Eren searches for identity, purpose, and strength throughout the series, ultimately setting him down a dangerous path where he's willing to scorch the Earth and start over. As a hero or as a villain, Eren proves himself to be a strategic genius, and he ensures that Attack on Titan is always entertaining.
2 Reiner Braun Has Overcome Impossible Odds For His People
Reiner Braun, also known as the Armored Titan, is one of the first enemies in the series who really make matters personal for Eren and company. Reiner is terrifying in his Titan form and a fair match for Eren, but the series carefully paints parallels between these two. Reiner gains immense depth, and his actions become much easier to understand.
In a certain context, there's even a strong case to be made that Reiner is the show's hero. Reiner, like many other Marleyan Warriors, is able to look past his people's history and join the fight against Eren.
1 Levi Ackerman Is The Top Titan Slayer
Many competent fighters have emerged in Attack on Titan, but early on, Levi Ackerman is presented as a wunderkind with nearly God-like abilities when it comes to Titan slaying. Levi is responsible for many of the series' most exciting action sequences, and he's slaughtered innumerable Titans.
Levi's battle theatrics are hard to top, but he's also the stoic type who doesn't waste words and can effortlessly inspire his fellow man when necessary. The final season of Attack on Titan largely has Levi covered in gnarly bandages and almost mute. However, even in that state, he's still able to command authority and exude confidence.