Anime characters come in all shapes and sizes. Many of them are known for having outlandish designs, and that usually comes down to their fantastical hairstyles. There’s an anime character for every color of hair imaginable, and many of them bear distinct and enjoyable personalities.
These red-haired characters are as determined and fiery as their appearance suggests, but they can also be caring and a true boon to their allies. When push comes to shove, many anime protagonists are glad that they have these redheads in their lives.
10 Erza Scarlet Has An Outfit For Every Occasion (Fairy Tail)
The Fairy Tail guild has no shortage of outrageously powerful personalities, and none stand out more than Erza Scarlet. The S-class mage is a shining example of what a member of Fairy Tail can be.
Her coordination and battle experience is second to none, while her mastery over Requip magic allows her to manifest weapons, armor, and clothes instantly during combat. When that’s combined with her sword magic and telekinesis, she becomes nigh unstoppable.
9 Yoko Littner Snipes Her Way Into The Hearts Of Viewers (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is an anime that is fondly remembered for its off-the-wall story, and for Yoko Littner. The red-haired young woman sports a character design that is instantly recognizable, and her combat skills make her an essential part of team Dai-Gurren.
As a sniper, she can reach her targets from seemingly any range, and she's even proven that she can hit her marks while flipping and dodging her way out of explosions. If that wasn't enough, she's also kind as can be.
8 Yoko Kurama Is A Formidable Ally With An Incredible Secret (YuYu Hakusho)
Every shonen anime has a side character that stands out, and in YuYu Hakusho, it was Yoko Kurama. His calm demeanor and long red hair were a bold and memorable choice for his character design.
Kurama’s plant-based abilities proved to be an endless bag of tricks that helped Yusuke Urameshi and his friends out of a pinch on multiple occasions all the way through the anime. Rose whip is an attack that fans won't soon forget, and his alternate Yoko Kurama form is one of the most stunning transformations in anime.
7 Taiga Kagami Doesn’t Hesitate To Take On Japan's Best Basketball Players (Kuroko No Basuke)
To get stronger, one must test themselves against the best of the best. That was the mindset of Taiga Kagami as he returned to Japan and hoped to find basketball players that he hadn't seen before.
He found exactly that in the generation of miracles, and with the help of Tetsuya Kuroko and their Seirin team, he defeated each player one at a time. In doing so, he cemented himself as an all-around basketball superstar who was on the level of the best basketball players Japan had to offer.
6 Endeavor Burns His Way Towards Redemption (My Hero Academia)
Endeavor, also known as Enji Todoroki, is a character who My Hero Academia viewers are meant to detest. He was abusive towards his family and inflicted serious mental and physical damage on them. Yet, what makes him stand out is his redemption and growth.
Instead of ignoring the guilt of his past, he accepts responsibility and attempts to be better for the sake of his loved ones. When Endeavor uses his Hellflame quirk to eventually defeat High End and save Hosu city, he earns the title of number #1 hero.
5 Kallen Kozuki’s Piloting Skills Helped Japan Fight Back Against Britannia (Code Geass)
Japan was in dire straits. The Holy Britannian Empire ruled over the country with minimal opposition, but the masterful strategies of Lelouch vi Britannia changed everything for the Japanese resistance. That wouldn't have been possible without the ace piloting skills of Kallen Kozuki.
She was part of the resistance since the beginning, and her sense of loyalty to the cause was unwavering, even if it meant going against those she once considered allies. Whenever Kallen arrived in her Guren Mk-II Knightmare Frame, the course of the battle was about to change.
4 Gaara Learns To Be A Better Person And A Deadly Ninja (Naruto)
Gaara initially comes across as a remarkably cold and vengeful character. His troubled upbringing created a distrusting personality, but after encountering Naruto Uzumaki, this changes for the better. He realizes the error of his ways when comparing himself to Naruto, and his powers become a force for good.
Gaara’s large reserves of Chakra allow him to expertly manipulate sand and turn it into a variety of deadly attacks and strong defenses. The objects he can create are only limited by his creativity and remaining Chakra, making him one of the deadliest ninja in Naruto.
3 Iskandar Is The Most Positive Influence In the Fate Franchise (Fate/Zero)
Alexander the Great, also known as Iskandar, is one of many historical figures vying to get their hands on the wish-granting Holy Grail. The gentle giant is brimming with a positive personality and a strong moral compass.
He takes charge of situations with strong ideals that influence the young Waver Velvet, his Master, to become a more confident and talented mage. Iskandar is a king who fought for his people, and regardless of the horrific atrocities he comes across, he never wavers on his beliefs.
2 Kurisu Makise Saves The World With Science And Compassion (Steins;Gate)
It takes a lot of intellect and skill to be a capable scientist at a young age, but Kurisu Makise did just that. Her research was worthy of winning prizes, but even more impressive was the fact that she could adapt her knowledge to think about the conundrums of time travel in a meaningful way.
Her skills helped to restore the timeline to its rightful state. If that wasn’t enough, her kindness and compassion were a guiding light that helped pull Rintarou Okabe out of his darkest hour.
1 Red-Haired Shanks Is A Legend Of The New World (One Piece)
Despite how little One Piece fans have gotten to see red-haired Shanks, he leaves a lasting impression. Shanks is immediately likable. He's a friendly pirate who will do anything to protect those he cares for
His prowess as captain of the Red Hair pirates enabled him to become one of the four emperors who rule over the New World. The mysteries surrounding his skills and his crew persist as one of One Piece’s last true mysteries left to uncover.