Bakadere anime characters are sweet and ditsy, which often makes them seem childish and innocent. The Japanese term "bakadere" combines the word "baka," meaning "stupid," with the term "dere," meaning "loving."
The bakadere archetype is common among shonen protagonists to create relatable and energetic leads for the audience to connect with. Their silly and playful nature offers comedic relief that complements their big hearts. Here are five of the best anime to watch for those who enjoy this foolish archetype.
Naruto's Childish Pranks Are Mixed With a Heart of Gold
As one of anime's most recognizable and popular characters, Naruto Uzumaki is arguably the most famous example of a bakadere in Naruto. While he's glaringly immature at the start of the series, his childish pranks always come from a place of love. This bakadere behavior is amplified whenever he interacts with his childhood crush, Sakura Haruno, who calls him annoying and responds to his feelings with disgust. Most villagers shun Naruto as a stupid and incompetent child, but he eventually wins them over through his love and dedication to protecting the Hidden Leaf Village.
One Piece's Luffy Is a Classic Chaotic Bakadere
Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece is another perfect example of a bakadere shonen protagonist. His iconic fearlessness stems from a complete lack of common sense. Audiences are entertained by his chaotic recklessness and unpredictability as a pirate aiming for greatness.
While his plans and actions are often questionable, he always comes out on top with unshakable confidence. His childlike curiosity also makes him distracted and fascinated by simple things, like hermit crabs. Despite his childishness, Luffy has a heart of gold that makes him admired and respected by other characters.
Pokémon's Ash Ketchum Is a Clumsy But Loving Bakadere
Ash Ketchum is a relatable bakadere protagonist who is easy to root for in Pokémon. He's clumsy and irresponsible at the start of the series, even waking up late and missing the Pokémon selection process in the series' premiere. While this sets him up as an immature bakadere, the fateful moment unites him with Pikachu as his trusty Pokémon partner.
Ash's genuine love for his Pokémon helps him create a special bond and sense of loyalty with them. The way he perseveres and learns from his frequent losses and mistakes as a foolish bakadere is what makes him a charming and likable protagonist for young viewers to look up to.
My Next Life as a Villainess
Katarina Claes is the bakadere female lead of the hit isekai anime, My Next Life as a Villainess. After regaining her memories, she is a kind and caring lead who befriends everyone she meets with her charm. She even shows great kindness to her kidnappers through pleasant conversation and small talk.
Katarina is an oblivious bakadere who can't see the obvious romantic feelings others have toward her. Her forgetfulness and simple-mindedness is part of her likability and creates comedic relief throughout the series.
K-ON! Stars a Somewhat Immature But Always Likable Bakadere
Yui Hirasawa, the female bakadere protagonist of K-ON!, is the ditzy lead guitarist and vocalist for her band in this comedy and musical anime. Her playful and carefree personality can cause her to ignore her responsibilities. Yui gets bad grades in school and can't multitask, but that doesn't stop her from being happy. Her bad memory and lack of common sense make her a notable bakadere; while she's perceived to be lazy and immature, Yui remains a kind and likable lead.