Anime houses a lot of villains, but the great ones really shine. They can take over the narrative, deepen the meaning and implications of a conflict, and force the viewers to reconsider their notions of good and evil. While all these villains are compelling, they do not all share the same traits. Some of them can be very charismatic.
Charisma is the ability to instill loyalty and devotion in others through one's personality, attractiveness, abilities, or actions. These villains typically also inspire admiration from the audience. While viewers might not agree with or support the villain's actions or beliefs, they might still become fans because of how cool or awesome the villain is.
10 The Manic & Toxic Appeal Of Bacanno!'s Ladd Russo
The strength of Baccano! comes down to its cast of characters. Almost all of them are distinct, lively, and intriguing. However, Ladd Russo is very special among the cast. A prominent member of the Russo family, Ladd uses his position as a hitman to exercise his bloodlust.
While alienating some with his extreme penchant for murder, he has amassed a very devoted and loyal circle. This includes his lover, Lua Klein, who Ladd affectionately says can only die by his hands. With his good looks and sadism, Ladd inspired his subordinates to cause chaos aboard the train, The Flying Pussyfoot.
9 Askeladd Commands The Respect Of Vinland Saga's Narrative
Askeladd took control of the screen the moment he was introduced. Vinland Saga introduces him as a villain figure and Thorfinn's main antagonist. Leading a band of mercenaries, he is tasked with killing Thorfinn's father. He does so but the exchange reveals his pathos and the underlying honor inside of him.
Early on, he's shown to be easy-going, cocky, and confident in himself. Possessing a mind adept in warfare and combat, it's easy to see how he has grown a mercenary band as big and skilled as his. While his character is somewhat redeemed later, it's still clear that he's trapped in a cycle of vengeance and bloodshed.
8 Demon Slayer's Muzan Is Incredibly Menacing But Stylish
Muzan Kibutsuji is the Demon King, the one responsible for all other demons in the show, and the one constantly hunting down Demon Slayer's protagonists. The most powerful force in the show, he's at the top of the demon hierarchy, commanding other powerful antagonists like Gyutaro and Doma.
His normal demeanor is very composed. Usually dressed in sharp and regal clothing, he's good-looking and suave. However, the dashing or beautiful forms he takes cannot mask the hulking evil inside of him. When Tanjiro first saw him, the encounter was paralyzing. Disarming and ruthless, Muzan is a terror in the show.
7 Fullmetal Alchemist's King Bradley Stands Above His Nation
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has many compelling minor villains and one of them is King Bradley. He is the Commander-In-Chief of Amestris' military, as well as one of the most troubling of the homunculus. His enhanced vision combined with his super-soldier strength makes him one of the strongest fighters in the anime.
He took on the façade of a caring paternal figure and garnered the adoration of his nation for it, but his actions were deeply sinister. Constantly starting wars to further his goals, he dismantled his oppositions with a gentle smile. Very few in the military were immune to his charm and corruption.
6 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Cannot Get Enough Of Dio
Dio exerts immense pressure on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. He's the core villain for only two of its parts but influences many other parts. His legacy of evil runs through many JoJo's installments. With the physique of a Greek god, his stature is imposing and captivating.
Many followed him due to his power and mystery. He also exhibits a level of narcissism so dense that it has a magnetic pull. Like gravity, many people are brought close to him and obey his word with vigor. Some even carry his will and ambitions long after he had passed.
5 Aizen Betrays The World But Wins Over Bleach Fans
A curious intellectual, Bleach's Sosuke Aizen is willing to manipulate and force his way to the top of the world. Initially the docile captain of the 5th Division, it's revealed that his demeanor was just a ruse. His plan was to overthrow the king of Soul Society and to stand above all beings.
Displaying no fear and incomparable strength, Aizen managed to recruit some of the most dangerous characters in Bleach. It took multiple arcs and seasons to defeat him, taking up a majority of the show's focus. His arrogance made him an enemy worth cheering against, but he also endeared himself to many watchers.
4 Golden Kamuy's Tsurumi Charms His Way To Military Dominance
A prominent figure of the 7th Division, it appears that a lot of Lieutenant Tsurumi's command is due to his military rank. As Golden Kamuy progresses, it becomes clear that there's more to why his men follow him. He shepherds broken men, manipulates them, lures them in with a cunning silver tongue, and keeps them bound to him by love.
With his methods, he amassed a dangerous and talented collection of loyal military men. Golden Kamuy is one of the best current seinen manga and anime, in no small part thanks to Tsurumi's twisted methods. A tragic man who has no path left outside of militarism, watchers still cannot help but be swept away.
3 Chrollo Lucilfer Is The Head Of Hunter x Hunter's Spirder
Hunter x Hunter (2011) is a modern classic filled with far too many iconic characters. Ironically, a character who inspired a lot of loyalty was Chrollo Lucilfer. He is the leader of the Phantom Troupe, a group of thieves that operate under the assumption that each one of them is replaceable. Chrollo expected his team to abandon him if he was ever compromised, but they did not.
Instead, it caused internal conflict as some are willing to risk it all just to save Chrollo. While many antagonists in Hunter x Hunter (2011) could be seen as equally charismatic, this is the sole instance when the admiration instilled was strong enough to disrupt the dynamics of the group involved. There will be no one else leading the Troupe outside of Chrollo.
2 Griffith Shows How Far Ambition Can Inspire In Berserk
Griffith is the idea of an ambitious leader taken to the extreme. He's a self-made man who achieved fame through his abilities on the field and his shining aura. He allures countless people, attracting extremely talented and intelligent warriors to his Band of the Falcon. He embodies nobility, often impressing those near him.
His standards and ambition quickly become his downfall after his plans are foiled. He's tortured and becomes immobile, crushing the dream of a kingdom he thought he'd get. At that point, he offers the world as a sacrifice for him to ascend. His sense of self, which made many love him, corrupts him and he folds under its weight.
1 Monster's Johan Liebert Is Fear & Awe Made Manifest
Johan Liebert is just a man. He has no powers, no fighting capabilities, and no official affiliations to prop him up. He's the central villain in Monster for his ability to twist a person's mind with a gentle smile and calm voice. Johan knows how to tap into someone's insecurities and fears.
Other groups hope to use his abilities to further their agendas, but they're all unknowing pawns for Johan to use. Be it his charm, his disarmingly good looks, his eloquence, or his intelligence, many are drawn to him. He exists to bring chaos and misery to those near him as the monster inside grows larger.