10 Best Anime Characters of All Time
Anime is more than just animation—it’s an emotional rollercoaster, a deep dive into imaginative worlds, and most importantly, a showcase of unforgettable characters. Whether they’re fighting titans, chasing dreams, or redefining what it means to be human, some characters leave a lasting impression on us long after the screen fades to black.
Today, we’re counting down the top 10 best anime characters of all time. These legends have carved their names into the hearts of fans worldwide. Let’s jump right in!
#10 – Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Mikasa isn’t just strong—she’s an absolute force of nature. Raised alongside Eren Yeager, she grew up fast and fierce, quickly becoming one of the most powerful soldiers in the Survey Corps.
What makes Mikasa special isn’t just her combat prowess. It’s her quiet intensity, her unwavering loyalty, and her internal struggle between love and duty. She doesn’t speak much, but when she acts, the entire battlefield shifts. Plus, let’s be real—those ODM gear scenes with her slicing through titans? Chills.
#9 – Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Few characters in anime are as layered and misunderstood as Itachi Uchiha. Introduced as a villain, we later uncover the heartbreaking truth: he sacrificed everything for peace and for his brother, Sasuke.
Itachi is the definition of a tragic hero. His story is soaked in sorrow, mystery, and moral ambiguity. Every move he makes, every decision he takes—it’s all part of a bigger plan that only he understands. And that final moment between him and Sasuke? Gut-wrenching and beautiful.
#8 – Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)
Imagine being born into a family of assassins and still managing to be one of the most loveable characters in anime history. That’s Killua for you.
Despite his dark past, Killua grows into a loyal, witty, and complex best friend. His bond with Gon is at the heart of Hunter x Hunter, showcasing deep emotional maturity, inner conflict, and some of the coolest electric-based abilities around. Plus, who doesn’t love a character who can switch from playful to deadly in a split second?
#7 – Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
Talk about starting from the bottom. Naruto was the outcast, the kid nobody believed in—and yet, he refused to give up. His dream of becoming Hokage wasn’t just about power. It was about being accepted, loved, and acknowledged.
Over hundreds of episodes, Naruto matures from a prankster to a hero who saves the world. His never-give-up attitude, his speeches that give you goosebumps, and his ability to change people’s hearts make him an all-time legend.
#6 – Roronoa Zoro (One Piece)
You can’t talk about loyalty without mentioning Zoro. This sword-wielding beast of a man is Luffy’s right-hand, and arguably the coolest swordsman in anime.
Zoro’s dedication to becoming the world’s greatest swordsman is rivaled only by his devotion to his captain and crew. He’s the type of guy who’ll take on pain meant for someone else without flinching. That scene with Kuma? Iconic. No one forgets “Nothing happened.”
#5 – Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)
Eren’s character arc is nothing short of revolutionary. He starts as a hot-headed teen wanting to kill all titans, but by the end, he’s… well, let’s just say things get complicated.
What makes Eren fascinating is his transformation from a classic shonen protagonist into an almost villainous figure driven by warped ideals. Love him or hate him, Eren makes you think. And in anime, that’s the mark of a legendary character.
#4 – Kamado Tanjiro (Demon Slayer)
Tanjiro is kindness in human form. After losing his family and nearly losing his sister to demonhood, he dedicates his life to protecting others and curing Nezuko.
What sets Tanjiro apart is his empathy. He feels for everyone—even the demons. His relentless spirit, respectful demeanor, and unwavering willpower make him one of the most wholesome and admirable characters in recent anime history. And let’s not forget that water breathing animation—pure art.
#3 – Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Clean freak? Yes. Titan slayer? Absolutely. Levi is the definition of cool, calm, and deadly. With his unmatched combat skills and dry sense of humor, he quickly became a fan-favorite.
Levi’s stoic nature hides a deeply emotional core. He’s lost so much, yet continues to fight with unwavering determination. Whether he’s giving orders or going solo against the Beast Titan, Levi makes every scene better. Period.
#2 – Gojo Satoru (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Gojo is the new-age anime powerhouse. Overpowered, arrogant, but also insanely charming, he brings a refreshing twist to the mentor archetype.
With his striking white hair, blindfold, and endless swag, Gojo feels like a blend of Kakashi and Goku—but with more flair. Beyond his strength, Gojo is fiercely protective of his students and carries a heavy burden behind those blue eyes. And let’s be real—when Gojo enters the fight, the vibe changes completely.
#1 – Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)
At the very top sits the pirate king himself (well, soon-to-be): Monkey D. Luffy.
Luffy isn’t the smartest or the strongest in the traditional sense. But he’s got something even more powerful—an unshakable will. His sense of freedom, loyalty to his crew, and dream to become the Pirate King have inspired millions.
He doesn’t fight for power. He fights for his friends, for freedom, and for what’s right. Luffy’s journey is a symbol of hope, courage, and unyielding determination. And after decades of storytelling, he remains at the heart of one of the greatest anime epics of all time.
Conclusion
So there you have it—10 anime characters that have defined generations. From sword masters and demon slayers to tragic heroes and future kings, these legends are the heartbeat of their respective stories.
What makes a character the best? It’s not just strength or cool powers. It’s the journey, the heart, the impact. And these ten? They’ve got it all.
Who’s your favorite? Let’s keep the anime love going—because honestly, the world just wouldn’t be the same without these iconic characters lighting up our screens.
