Judging a Japanese anime series isn't always about the quality of its writing or animation. Often, fans engage in popularity contests to decide which anime characters are the best. Intriguing, well-designed characters can be defining, turning a mediocre anime series into a truly unforgettable one with their sheer star power. Some of the most loved anime characters perfectly personify the best parts of their series, while others are masters of stealing the spotlight.

The very best anime characters tend to have that "it" factor that makes them the most popular of all, such as a combination of cool dialogue, memorable scenes, or even an interesting philosophy and worldview. Every anime fan will have their own favorites, but a large handful of characters have still risen to the top all the same.

Update on February 15th, 2024 by Louis Kemner: This list of the best and most popular anime characters of all time has been updated to adhere to CBR's current publication standardsm as well as to include even more of the best characters in anime.

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50 Strongest Anime Characters Of All Time, Ranked
Anime is full of strong characters, but some - like Goku, All Might, and Luffy - stand out as some of the most powerful anime characters.

55 Frieren Has Spent Centuries Studying Magic

Frieren Anime with the main character

Frieren at a Glance:

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 13.404
  • Voice Actors: Atsumi Tanezaki (Japanese), Mallorie Rodak (English)

The elf lady known simply as Frieren is the protagonist of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, an immortal elf who has seen and done it all. Frieren helps anime fans explore the fantasy genre through a fresh set of eyes, since Frieren isn't the obligatory Legolas type in a party -- she is the lead, and that affects how the narrative is presented.

Anime fans found plenty to love about the kuudere elf Frieren, from her emotional sensitivity and stoic personality to her powerful spellcasting and advanced knowledge of the world. Frieren is a carefree hero who has no serious flaws or weaknesses, allowing her to forge ahead on her journey without worry. She is also determined to connect more deeply with the short-lived humans around her and nurture their potential, making her a mother figure to Fern.

Frieren holds her briefcase with Fern and Stark in the background in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End poster
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
TV-14
Anime
Adventure
Drama

An elf and her friends defeat a demon king in a great war. But the war is over, and the elf must search for a new way of life.

Release Date
September 29, 2023
Creator
Tsukasa Abe, Kanehito Yamada
Cast
Atsumi Tanezaki , Kana Ichinose , Mallorie Rodak , Jill Harris
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Production Company
Aniplex, Dentsu, Madhouse, Shogakukan, TOHO animation, Toho

54 Rimuru Tempest Is an OP Slime Who Rules a Benevolent Nation

Rimuru Tempest from Reincarnated as a Slime is surrounded by bright energy
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Rimuru Tempest at a Glance:

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 22,563
  • Voice Actors: Miho Okasaki (Japanese), Brittney Karbowski (English)

Rimuru Tempest is an example of an OP isekai protagonist written well. He is the star of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, or Tensura for short, a salaryman who got stabbed to death and reborn as a mere slime in a cave. Rimuru's best asset was the Predator skill, allowing him to absorb new skills and spells from other creatures.

Rimuru soon became massively powerful, but he wasn't meant to be a power trip character. The real appeal of Rimuru is his mission to build an all-new nation of peace and tolerance for all monsters, a benevolent quest that makes him a historic figure in the isekai world. Rimuru will make many friends, establish diplomatic ties, and fight powerful enemies to make his dream a reality and live in peace with his fellow monsters.

The cast of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime posing joyfully on the official poster.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
TV-PG
Action-Adventure

Average 37-year-old Minami Satoru dies and is reincarnated as the most unremarkable creature imaginable-a slime.

Release Date
October 2, 2018
Creator
Fuse
Cast
Miho Okasaki , Megumi Toyoguchi , Mao Ichimichi , Makoto Furukawa
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
2
Studio
Eight Bit
Sequel
The Slime Diaries
Number of Episodes
48

53 Marin Kitagawa Is Everyone's Favorite Cosplay Enthusiast

Marin Kitagawa from the cosplay anime series My Dress-Up Darling.

Marin Kitagawa at a Glance:

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 22,668
  • Voice Actors: Hina Suguta (Japanese), Amanda Lee (English)

Marin Kitagawa from My Dress-Up Darling is a charming example of a genki girl, or an energetic female character who's always up to something. Genki girls like Marin often enjoy making friends and have a fierce passion for their hobbies, and in Marin's case, that hobby is cosplay. Marin loves dressing up, but she isn't so great at tailoring clothes. So, she decided to recruit Wakana Gojo as her new tailor.

Marin struck up a wacky yet healthy and meaningful friendship with Wakana, and they brought out the best in each other. Marin gave the lonely, insecure Wakana some validation and companionship, all while praising his tailoring skills and sharing her cosplay hobby with him. Also, Marin is a kind, whimsical, and slightly flawed girl who feels larger than life but also realistic, adding to her appeal.

My Dress-Up Darling Anime Poster
My Dress-Up Darling
TV-14
Comedy
Romance

Traumatized by a childhood incident with a friend who took exception to his love of traditional dolls, doll-artisan hopeful Wakana Gojo passes his days as a loner, finding solace in a room at his high school.

Release Date
January 8, 2022
Creator
Shinichi Fukuda
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1 Season
Characters By
Hina Suguta, Shoya Ishige, AmaLee
Production Company
Aniplex, CloverWorks, Square Enix Company

52 Kaguya Shinomiya Is One of Anime's Smartest Waifus Ever

Kaguya Shinomiya sincerely smiles in Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Kaguya Shinomiya at a Glance:

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 25,810
  • Voice Actors: Aoi Koga (Japanese), Alexis Tipton (English)

Kaguya-Sama: Love is War is an utlra-popular battle of wits anime between the student council president Miyuki Shirogane and the wealthy heiress Kaguya Shinomiya, who are deeply smitten with one another. They're too stubbornly proud to confess their feelings, so they're trying to trick each other into making that confession first.

Miyuki has his fans, but anime fans love Kaguya Shinomiya as the series' Best Girl. She may come from a vastly wealthy family, but Kaguya also values wealth of the heart. She cherishes her meaningful friendships and loves spending quality time with her classmates, making her more than yet another ojou-sama. Kaguya is also delightfully flawed at times, from her sympathetic insecurities to her personality's unexpected goofy side. She may be set to inherit trillions of yen, but at school, Kaguya only cares about Miyuki and their love game, and anime fans can't get enough of it.

Kaguya-sama surrounded by posing cast of characters in Love Is War Anime Poster
Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War
TV-14
Anime
Comedy
Romance

The proudly privileged top two students of an elite school each makes it their mission to be the first to extract a confession of love from the other.

Release Date
January 12, 2019
Cast
Aoi Koga , Makoto Furukawa , Konomi Kohara , Yutaka Aoyama
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
4

51 Thorfinn Karlsefni Learned to Move Beyond Vengeance

Thorfinn holding a dagger in the Vinland Saga anime

Thorfinn Karlsefni at a Glance:

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 26,109
  • Voice Actor: Yuto Uemura (Japanese), Aleks Le

Vinland Saga may be a brutal medieval action anime, but author Makoto Yukimura never intended to glorify war and violence. Instead, this anime -- and its source manga -- question and criticize the role that violence plays in people's lives. Protagonist Thorfinn Karlsefni may have vowed revenge on his father's killer, but revenge would never bring him happiness. Instead, Thorfinn must seek his true fate by creating something new.

Thorfinn is compelling because his character arc is directly tied into Vinland Saga's deep themes of violence, forgiveness, and finding one's own purpose in life. He is also a joy to watch in battle, and it's inspiring to see the broken-down Thorfinn seize hope for the first time after losing everything.

Vinland Saga Poster
Vinland Saga
TV-MA
Anime
Action
Adventure

Following a tragedy, Thorfinn embarks on a journey with the man responsible for it to take his life in a duel as a true and honorable warrior to pay homage.

Release Date
July 6, 2019
Creator
Makoto Yukimura
Cast
Yûto Uemura , Mike Haimoto , Shinya Takahashi , Alejandro Saab , Hiroki Gotô , Aleks Le , Kaiji Tang , Michael C. Pizzuto
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
2
Studio
Wit Studio, Studio MAPPA
Production Company
Wit Studio, Mappa
Number of Episodes
48 Episodes

50 Makima Is Mysterious, Beautiful, And Deadly

Makima in Chainsaw Man with a surreal background

Makima At A Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 27,736
  • Voice Actors: Tomori Kusunoki (Japanese), Suzie Yeung (English Dub)

Makima is a classic example of a "bad girl" waifu whom anime fans love even if she is mysterious, eerie, and incredibly dangerous. Chainsaw Man is a refreshing read/watch because of its unique approach to female characters, making them charmingly flawed and emphasizing their personalities and not their perfect looks.

From the start, Makima has been Denji's benefactor and almost a foster mother, but there's been something off about her the whole time. Anime fans are eager to see what Makima's true nature and goals are, and manga readers already know the full truth of this character — and still love her as a brutal villain waifu and one of the best Chainsaw Man characters.

Denji standing over rubble in Chainsaw Man Poster
Chainsaw Man
TV-MA
Anime
Action
Adventure

Following a betrayal, a young man left for dead is reborn as a powerful devil-human hybrid after merging with his pet devil and is soon enlisted into an organization dedicated to hunting devils. When his father died, Denji was stuck with a huge debt and no way to pay it back.

Release Date
October 11, 2022
Creator
Tatsuki Fujimoto
Cast
Kikunosuke Toya , Ryan Colt Levy , Tomori Kusunoki , Suzie Yeung
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
MAPPA
Main Characters
Denji, Makima, Pochita, Power, Himeno, Kishibe
Number of Episodes
12
Network
Crunchyroll
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll , Hulu

49 Alucard Is The Coolest, Scariest Vampire Antihero Of All

Alucard the heroic vampire grinning in Hellsing.

Alucard At A Glance

  • Alias: Dracula, Prince of Wallachia
  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 28,176
  • Voice Actors: Jouji Nakata (Japanese), Crispin Freeman (English Dub)

Alucard is the infamous vampire powerhouse from the seinen Hellsing manga/anime series. He's the very model of a compelling antihero, a sinister and merciless warrior who fights his own kind on behalf of the Hellsing Organization while having no sentimentality whatsoever. He might make an exception for his protege Seras Victoria, however, since he feels somewhat protective of her.

Alucard is one of the most popular anime characters of all time because he is overpowered in such an engaging way. Even if his fights are predictably easy, it's still fun to watch Alucard taunt his enemies and toy with them, then crush them without even releasing his full power.

Alucard wields a sword on the poster for Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing Ultimate
TV-17
Action
Fantasy

The vampire Alucard, his master Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, and his newly sired ward Seras Victoria try to protect England from a war-crazed SS-Major who seeks to start an eternal war with his vampire army.

Release Date
February 10, 2006
Creator
Kouta Hirano
Cast
Fumiko Orikasa , Crispin Freeman , Jōji Nakata , Victoria Harwood , Motomu Kiyokawa , K.T. Gray , Yoshiko Sakakibara , Ralph Lister
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1

48 Sasuke Uchiha Is Konoha's Edgiest, Most Talented Ninja And Naruto's Rival

Sasuke Uchiha at a Glance

  • Affiliations: Team 7, Apprenticeship under Orochimaru, Taka, Akatsuki
  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 28,601
  • Voice Actors: Noriaki Sugiyama (Japanese), Yuri Lowenthal (English Dub)
Related
Sasuke's Curse Mark, Explained
Sasuke's Curse Mark plays a big role in his strength and character arc in Naruto, but what exactly is it and how does it work?

Sasuke Uchiha is often viewed as the ultimate shonen rival character, being the gifted, angsty counterpart to protagonist Naruto Uzumaki. Sasuke made a strong impression from the start as a skilled ninja who often showed up Naruto, yet they still formed a robust rivalry and pushed each other to get even stronger.

Sasuke's real story arc began when he went rogue to obtain more power with Orochimaru, breaking his bond with Naruto and the rest of Team 7 in the process. From there, Sasuke blurred the line between antihero and villain, losing himself to the darkness until he reunited with Team 7 near the story's end.

Sakura, Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi sensei and Iruka sensei posing on Naruto Anime cover
Naruto
TV-PG
Action
Adventure

Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.

Release Date
September 10, 2002
Creator
Masashi Kishimoto
Cast
Junko Takeuchi , Maile Flanagan , Kate Higgins
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Production Company
Pierrot, Staralis Film Company
Number of Episodes
220

47 Koyomi Araragi Is A Loner Who Associates With Vampires

Monogatari Koyomi Araragi standing near some bamboo

Koyomi Araragi at a Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 28,687
  • Voice Actor: Hiroshi Kamiya (Japanese)

Koyomi Araragi is the overall protagonist of the entire Monogatari franchise and is the most commonly used narrator as well. His high school life was turned upside down when the vampire Shinobu Oshino attacked, and he's had a connection to her ever since. Koyomi regularly feeds her his blood, and in exchange, he has some vampiric powers, such as regeneration.

Koyomi is a loner who rejects friendship, though the exact reasons for this seem to vary. In one case, Koyomi rejected friendship to avoid getting hurt if his friends were hurt, suggesting he views empathy as a weakness. Another time, Koyomi claimed he avoids friendships because he'd rather not have a popular opinion warp his view of reality and truth.

Senjougahara Hitagi in Bakemonogatari (2009) poster
Bakemonogatari
TV-14
Action
Comedy
Mystery
Romance
Supernatural

Third-year high school student Koyomi Araragi is human again. Cured of his vampirism, he seeks to help other supernaturals with their problems. Koyomi becomes involved in their lives, revealing secrets in people he once knew.

Release Date
July 3, 2009
Creator
Nisio Isin, Shaft
Cast
Hiroshi Kamiya , Eri Kitamura
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Production Company
Aniplex, Kôdansha, SHAFT
Number of Episodes
15
Main Cast
Chiwa Saitou, Kana Hanazawa, Hiroshi Kamiya, Yui Horie, Emiri Katou, Miyuki Sawashiro

46 Yuno Gasai Became A Twisted Yandere Waifu In Fans' Eyes

Yuno Gasai Future Diary Yandere

Yuno Gasai at a Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 29,013
  • Voice Actors: Tomosa Murata (Japanese), Brina Palencia (English Dub)

Yuno Gasai is the quintessential yandere anime character, or an obsessive lover who resorts to stalking and even violence to keep other people away from the object of their affection. Yuno has it all, from her falsely sweet exterior and monstrous interior to her habit of carrying around weapons and her jealous streak.

Yuno's love interest is Yukitaru, and she will say or do anything to make him love her and keep everyone else away. Ironically, Yuno was named after Juno, the Roman goddess of femininity and motherhood, but there's nothing gentle and motherly about Yuno the yandere. Still, despite her extreme behavior, Yuno Gasai is one of the anime community's favorite characters, a reminder that there will always be an audience for bad girls like her.

The Future Diary anime Yukitere on his phone
Future Diary
TV-MA
Action
Drama

A young man competes with people around the world for a chance to become the succesor of God, with a diary that is able to tell the future.

Release Date
October 10, 2011
Cast
Brina Palencia , Emily Neves , Jessie James Grelle
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1 + 1 OVA
Studio
Asread

45 Asuna Yuuki Was Kirito's Sister In Arms And Lover In Aincrad

Asuna Yuuki with her sword raised in SAO

Asuna Yuuki Rapiers Across SAO

Weapon Name

Acquisition

Iron Rapier

Bought in store

Wind Fleurette

Monster Drop

Chivalric Rapier

Created by the dark elf blacksmith

Wintry Stroke

Forged from the Chivalric Rapier

Lambent Light

Made by Lisbeth

Asuna Yuuki is the co-star of Sword Art Online, and in many ways, she is more compelling than Kirito himself. Asuna feels less like a self-insert for a teenage anime fan and feels more like the wholesome best friend she is. It's because of her help that Kirito ever made it out of the digital world of Aincrad.

Asuna got even better over time and endeared herself to fans as one of the best anime characters in isekai in many ways. She did need rescuing once, but then she returned the favor for Kirito in a big way, and she was also a fantastic mother figure and best friend for Yui, thus her rank at #45 among the most popular and beloved anime characters of all time, though fans have plenty more Best Girls to choose from, some of which Asuna can't easily compete with.

Kiriko and Asuna in Sword Art Online (2012) official poster
Sword Art Online
TV-14
Animation
Action
Adventure

In the year 2022, thousands of people get trapped in a new virtual MMORPG and the lone wolf player, Kirito, works to escape.

Release Date
July 8, 2012
Cast
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Haruka Tomatsu , Ayana Taketatsu , Miyuki Sawashiro , Ai Kayano
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
4
Production Company
A-1 Pictures, ASCII Mediaworks, Aniplex, Bandai Namco Games, Genco
Number of Episodes
100

44 Sanji Vinsmoke Is The Best Chef In The Four Seas

Sanji from One Piece stands with an angry and fierce expression.

Sanji Vinsmoke at a Glance

  • Place of birth: North Blue
  • Special move: Diable Jambe
  • Crew role: Chef
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A variety of One Piece heroes rank among the most popular anime characters of all time, including prominent Straw Hat crew members like Sanji Vinsmoke. He's a martial artist and a dedicated chef who's determined to find the All Blue someday, but in the meantime, he's simply glad to be in Luffy's crew and nurses a rivalry with Roronoa Zoro.

Sanji won over countless One Piece fans with his goofy womanizing ways, and he's always delighted to meet beautiful girls like Nico Robin, Princess Nefeltari Vivi, and the mermaid Shirahoshi, among others. Fans also adore Sanji's food-themed kick attacks and his tough, cool-guy attitude with his suit and cigarettes in most story arcs.

Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sani, Robin, Chopper, Brook, Frankyand Jimbei in One Piece Egg-Head Arc poster
One Piece
TV-14
Animation
Action
Adventure

Follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in order to find the greatest treasure ever left by the legendary Pirate, Gold Roger. The famous mystery treasure named "One Piece".

Release Date
October 20, 1999
Creator
Eiichirô Oda
Cast
Mayumi Tanaka , Akemi Okamura , Laurent Vernin , Tony Beck , Kazuya Nakai
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1
Production Company
Toei Animation
Number of Episodes
1K+

43 Eikichi Onizuka Went From Delinquent To Cool Teacher To Turn His Life Around

GTO eikichi onizuka is looking to the side and smoking a cigarette

Eikichi Onizuka at a Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 31,191
  • Voice Actors: Wataru Takagi (Japanese), Steve Blum (English Dub)

Eikichi Onizuka ranks among the most popular anime characters not because of any magical powers or epic quests to save the world, but because of his sheer coolness factor and his earthly wisdom. Eikichi may be a punk delinquent turned teacher, but he does have some valuable life lessons to teach his students in classes 3-4.

Eikichi may have a perverted streak and is highly unorthodox as a teacher, but anime fans still love him because he feels relatable as a lost young man trying to make something better of himself, albeit slowly. There's also the charming novelty of a wacky punk becoming a teacher and barely knowing what he's doing in that role throughout the story of Great Teacher Onizuka.

GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka
GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka

Onizuka, a former delinquent finds himself in the role of a high school teacher, facing students who behave just as he used to. Using unusual methods, he manages to reach through to his students and help them with their problems.

Cast
Nanako Matsushima , Yôsuke Kubozuka , Shun Oguri
Main Genre
Drama
Studio
Streaming Service(s)

42 Saber Is A Noble Hero With A Special Weapon In Hand

Saber raising Excalibur in the Fate anime

Saber at a Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 32,797
  • Voice Actors: Ayako Kawasumi (Japanese), Michelle Ruff, Kate Higgins, Kari Wahlgren, Emily Woo Zeller (English)

Saber is a major character in the overall Fate franchise. She is one of many mythical heroes whom the main characters can summon to fight by their side over the Holy Grail, and she is definitely one of the strongest and noblest of them all, too. After all, Saber is a gender-bent King Arthur, and she has a reputation to live up to.

In various Fate anime and novel storylines, Saber fought alongside and against all manner of characters and was even a love interest for Shiro Emiya in one of them. In battle, Saber is an expert with the sword Excalibur, which is usually invisible and has a wind-based blade.

Fate/Zero
Fate/Zero
TV-MA
Action
Adventure

Seven chosen mages and their summoned heroic spirits fight against each other to try and win the Holy Grail: a magical device that can grant any wish.

Release Date
October 2, 2011
Creator
Gen Urobuchi
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
2 Seasons
Characters By
Ayako Kawasumi, Kari Wahlgren, Sayaka Ôhara
Production Company
Aniplex, Nitroplus, Seikaisha.

41 Taiga Aisaka Is A Tiny, Tough Tsundere With A Vulnerable Side

Taiga Aisaka at a Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 31,781
  • Voice Actors: Rie Kugimiya (Japanese), Cassandra Lee Morris (English Dub)
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Taiga Aisaka is the co-star of the popular romantic comedy Toradora!, where she and protagonist Ryuji Takasu begin the story having a crush on each other's friend, only to gradually fall in love with each other instead. Taiga didn't seem that likable at first as a brash tsundere, but then anime fans got to know her more intimately.

Taiga Aisaka was far more vulnerable than her tough, tiger-like exterior ever suggested, and Ryuji saw that for himself. Despite his and Taiga's differences, Ryuji vowed to support and help her, and for that, Taiga was immensely grateful and came to truly appreciate him in every way that mattered.

Enemies turned lovers Ryuji and Taiga back to back on Toradora! Anime cover art
Toradora! (2008)
TV-14
Comedy
Drama

Toradora tells the tale of Ryuji (dragon) and Taiga (tiger) helping each other confess to their crushes.

Release Date
October 2, 2008
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
J.C. Staff
Number of Episodes
25

40 Shinobu Oshino is a Blonde Vampire Girl With a Dangerous Curse

Monogatari Shinobu Oshino from Bakemonogatari

Shinobu Oshino at a Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 32,497
  • Voice Actor: Maaya Sakamoto (Japanese)

Shinobu Oshino of Bakemonogatari fame is one of the most popular vampire anime characters out there. She was also the protagonist of several different story arcs and is connected to some of the series' most beloved characters, including Meme Oshino at the Eikou Cram School and Kiyomi Araragi.

Shinobu was once a human being, a princess named Rola, but then she became cursed. Anyone who got too close to her was compelled to take their own life before a powerful vampire turned her into one, too. For now, Shinobu is content to appear as an 8-year-old girl and do without most of her powers, allowing her monstrous side to remain hidden. Fun vampire characters like Shinobu tend to be popular, thus her spot at #40, though plenty of cooler, non-vampire characters have her beat, such as shonen action protagonists.

Senjougahara Hitagi in Bakemonogatari (2009) poster
Bakemonogatari

Third-year high school student Koyomi Araragi is human again. Cured of his vampirism, he seeks to help other supernaturals with their problems. Koyomi becomes involved in their lives, revealing secrets in people he once knew.

39 Kamina Was Simon's Inspiring Friend And Co-Pilot

Kamina making a big smile in Gurren Lagann

Kamina at a Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 32,856
  • Voice Actors: Katsuyuki Konishi (Japanese), Kyle Hebert (English Dub)

Kamina is easily one of the most popular anime characters who fits the himbo archetype. Kamina may be the "dumb, loud but lovable" type, yet there's more to him than that. Kamina represents humanity's oppressed nature and its desire to be free, with Kamina and Simon leading the attack on the Beastmen to reclaim Earth's surface.

Kamina had strong charisma in Gurren Lagann as the "cool big bro" type, serving as his team's unofficial leader and the co-pilot of the Gurren Lagann war robot. He left a profound impact on everyone who met him, and after his untimely death, Simon made sure to emulate Simon and carry on his spirit well into the future.

Gurren Lagann mecha anime cover art
Gurren Lagann
Anime
Sci-Fi

Two friends, Simon and Kamina, become the symbols of rebellion against the powerful Spiral King, who forced mankind into subterranean villages.

Release Date
April 1, 2007
Creator
Hiroyuki Imaishi
Seasons
1

38 Ichigo Kurosaki Is A High Schooler Turned Soul Reaper

Bleach's Ichigo Kurosaki standing in front of orange background

Ichigo Kurosaki at a Glance

  • His half-Quincy status allows him to experience the best of both worlds in Bleach
  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 33,129
  • Voice Actor: Masakazu Morita (Japanese), Johnny Yong Bosch (English Dub)

Bleach protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki didn't become one of the world's most popular anime characters of all time because he came from a "big three" shonen anime. Ichigo's design makes him stand out from himbo heroes like Luffy, Naruto, and Goku, since Ichigo is a tough tsundere punk with a good heart, much like Yusuke Urameshi before him.

Ichigo became a shonen icon with his cool blend of isekai-style adventures, his tough-guy persona, his stylish Soul Reaper powers, and his stubborn determination to protect all his friends at any cost. Ichigo also has unexpected emotional depth, since he's still wrangling with the grief of his beloved mother's passing, which hardened his heart's outer layer.

Ichigo Kurosaki ready to fight with cast of characters in Bleach Anime Poster
Bleach
TV-14
Action
Adventure
Fantasy

Bleach revolves around Kurosaki Ichigo, a regular always-grouchy high-schooler who for some strange reason is able to see the souls of the dead around him.

Release Date
October 5, 2004
Cast
Masakazu Morita , Fumiko Orikasa , Hiroki Yasumoto , Yuki Matsuoka , Noriaki Sugiyama , Kentarô Itô , Shinichirô Miki , Hisayoshi Suganuma
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
17 Seasons
Creator
Tite Kubo

37 Kiyotaka Ayanokouji Is A Clever Student At A Strange High School

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji in Classroom of the Elite sitting by the window in class with a bored expression

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji at a Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 34,336
  • Voice Actors: Shoua Chiba (Japanese), Justin Briner (English Dub)

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji stands as one of the most popular anime characters to come from a high school anime series — in this case, Classroom of the Elite. He is a 2nd-year student at the Advanced Nurturing High School, an unusual institution designed to make sure the sons and daughters of society's elite get a good education and become hardworking pillars of Japanese society.

What makes Kiyotaka such a popular anime character isn't his self-insert qualities, but his amusing combination of extreme intelligence and his outward persona as a laid-back, unengaging person. He seems harmless and meek on the outside, but Kiyotaka is a highly insightful person who can manipulate others and get whatever he wants with his brainpower.

The students pose on poster for Classroom of the Elite
Classroom of the Elite
TV-14

When Kiyotaka enters government-sponsored elite high school, he finds out just how merit-based this education system is.

Release Date
July 17, 2017
Main Genre
Thriller
Studio
Lerche
Main Cast
Shouya Chiba, Akari Kitou, Justin Briner and Felecia Angelle

36 Violet Evergarden Types Letters With Her Mechanical Hands

Violet Evergarden by the lake with her parasol in the anime Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden at a Glance

  • MyAnimeList Favorites: 35,083
  • Voice Actors: Yui Ishikawa (Japanese), Erika Harlacher (English Dub)
Related
Why Violet Evergarden is a Must Watch Anime for Hopeless Romantics
Violet Evergarden's quest to understand the meaning of the word love, makes it a perfect anime for hopeless romantics.

Violet Evergarden is a popular and emotionally impactful anime series whose titular heroine, Violet Evergarden herself, is popular among anime fans. Violet survived a dreadful war and lost both arms, so now she has two metal prosthetics so she can work as an Auto Memory Doll.

Violet is a charming but emotionally vulnerable kuudere lady who is determined to help people connect or reconnect with the power of typed letters. She might even be reduced to tears, either happy or sad, after finishing a dictated letter and helping people deliver those letters.

Violet Evergarden anime cover art from netflix
Violet Evergarden
TV-14
Drama

In the aftermath of a great war, Violet Evergarden, a young female ex-soldier, gets a job at a writers' agency and goes on assignments to create letters that can connect people.

Release Date
August 22, 2022
Creator
Kana Akatsuki
Cast
Yui Ishikawa
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
Kyoto Animation
Franchise
Violet Evergarden
Number of Episodes
13 + 1 OVA
Streaming Service(s)
Netflix