Summary
Animeand manga contain some of the most unique stories in all fiction. Rather than only focusing on superheroes, there are mystery stories, monster stories, tales of bounty hunters, and even pirate adventures. Anime enhances the stories with stunning animation that can turn a still panel into something vibrant.
Of course, no story would be complete without a compelling character. They are the ones that move the story forward as the protagonists or the compelling villains that challenge the hero. They can also make a significant impact on pop culture. These are the ten best anime characters of all time.
10Naruto Uzumaki
A Skillful Ninja
Naruto Uzumaki is one of the most iconic characters in anime and manga; hailing from the hidden leaf village, he was born with the legendary nine-tailed fox sealed within him. This caused him to be ostracized from the community he hopes to become the leader of someday.
Despite his circumstances, Naruto continues to persevere through countless battles. With each new series, Naruto gets older, and in Boruto, Naruto is an adult with his own son, having fulfilled his childhood dreams of becoming Hokage.
9Monkey D. Luffy
How Did That Happen?
The One Piece is the legendary treasure said to be hidden at the Grand Line, and with every pirate after it, Monkey D. Luffy hopes to find it first and become the king of the pirates. There is only one catch though; Luffy can’t swim because he ate a devil’s fruit.
This fruit granted him gum gum powers that allow him to stretch his body like rubber, giving him plenty of fighting power and durability that makes up for his inability to swim.One Piece has over 1000 episodes, making it one of the longest-running anime in history.
8Son Goku
The Strongest Fighter
Son Goku is the planet’s protector and martial arts world champion, and his loveable nature and thirst to train himself make him one of anime’s most motivational characters. It is acknowledged that out of all the characters, Goku remains pure of heart despite the many opponents he has faced.
One of the most unique things about Dragon Ball is how the story continues to grow with its characters. Son Goku first appeared as a child and, throughout the story, grew up, got married, and had children of his own.
7Edward Elric
World’s Greatest Alchemist
When Edward and Alphonse Elric lose their mother, they attempt to bring her back using alchemy, an illegal ritual that costs Edward his arm and leg. Meanwhile, Alphonse’s soul becomes bonded with a suit of armor, so now Edward seeks a way to reverse the damage and save his brother’s soul.
Edward Elric is a character you’re able to’t help but root for; you want to see him help his brother and get his arm back. When he finally does at the end of the series, it feels rewarding having seen everything Edward went through to get there.
6Arataka Reigen
Gold Hearted Conman
Mob Psycho 100 introduces viewers to Arataka Reigen; he is supposedly a powerful psychic with the ability to dispel ghosts. What Mob doesn’t know is that Reigen is a complete fraud, yet that doesn’t stop him from being a fan-favorite character.
Reigen’s charismatic personality might seem fit for the con man that he is. However, beneath the surface, Reigen is kind to others and has a heart of gold, and even without psychic powers of his own, he still manages to influence Mob into doing good.
5Dio Brando
Rule The World
Dio Brando is evil incarnate, and the first thing he does upon being introduced in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is kick a dog. One of the greatest villains in anime, Dio Brando would continue to be a threat with many other villains rising up due to his influence.
Besides having vampiric abilities he also possesses the power to stop time thanks to his stand, The World. He was also reintroduced as Diego Brando in part seven, Steel Ball Run, in an incarnation that gives him even more three-dimensional properties to his character.
4Izuku Midoriya
One For All
In a world full of superpowers, being the only kid without any sort of ability can mean there is no future for you as a hero. Luckily, Izuku Midoriya has the heart of a hero and his efforts attract the attention of All Might, who passes down his quirk.
This allows Midoriya, to pursue a career as a professional hero. He also earns the respect of his peers and colleagues as he proves that he is just as capable as everyone else.
3Frieren
The Great Mage
Frieren is a thousand-year-old mage who wanders the world in search of new grimoires. What makes Frieren so compelling as a character is how she handles immortality, as being immortal can often be seen as a blessing or a curse, but Frieren treats it as neither.
It is simply a life span in which the true purpose is being able to understand the people around you. Living such a long time also messes with her perception of it, since ten years of life can feel the same as only a few days in comparison.
2Light Yagami
God Of The New World
Death Note features a battle of wits against the world’s greatest detective and a genius who can kill without being physically present. When Light Yagami gets a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written down on it, he uses it to rid the world of criminals.
Rising to the challenge, the great detective, L, corners him at every turn as he attempts to solve the mystery behind Kira. Light Yagami may be the villain of the series, but his dark spiral is fascinating to watch.
1Spike Spiegel
Cool Cat From Space
If there is any character that radiates with coolness, it’s Spike Spiegel, formerly a member of the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate. Spike Spiegel becomes a bounty hunter for hire, and during his adventures, he is hired to hunt down various outlaws and bring them back dead or alive.
Spike must navigate through a futuristic world as he comes to grips with loss, new friends, and redemption. With a laid-back demeanor and a quick draw, Spike is immensely entertaining to watch, even in the Cowboy Beboplive-action adaptationon Netflix.
