8 Best Anime Characters of All Time

The number of anime series increases every year. Many of them stem from the rich Japanese manga graphic novels, which describe numerous Japanese cultural traditions and customs.

From heartbreaking stories to epicsanime fight scenes, the world of anime is a melting pot of struggle, strife and friendship held together by vivid storytelling and skillful design and fantastic character development. Whether it's a brooding anti-hero or a confident warrior, anime series always give their viewers dynamic personalities. Anime-inspired characters are at the center of pop cultureanime boxmemberships and unique fan clothing.

But what are the ingredients of some of the best anime characters of all time? Sacrifice, loyalty, justice and courage - these are just some of them.

Follow along as Culturefly uncovers the traits that make the best anime characters. This is our wish list of the best anime characters in history.

Itachi Uchiha ili Naruto
Gohan iz Dragon Ball Z
Genos One-Punch Mana
Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer
Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia
Monkey D. Luffy του One Piece
Eren Jaeger of Napad na Titan
Attack on Titan's Mikasa Ackerman

1. Itachi Uchiha ili Naruto

The Japanese manga series tells the story of an ambitious — and sometimes arrogant — young ninja named Naruto. His goal? Become the village Hokage — the village leader.

As much as it hurts to hear Naruto, we believe that the shining star of the show is actually Itachi Uchiha—the all-around prettier and ninja prodigy of the famous Uchiha clan.

Itachi is the classic tragic hero and central to the plot of the Uchiha clan: quiet, intense, and devoted to moral goodness, Itachi is manipulated by higher-ups into turning against his clan in order to save his younger brother. After the massacre of the Uchiha clan, Itachi's reputation is permanently tarnished, but his heart - full of self-sacrifice, wisdom and understanding - remains unscathed.

Why Itachi Uchiha is one of the best anime characters of all time:

A sought-after anti-villain with an aesthetic worth joking about
His undying devotion (re: Itachi's death and revival) to his brother
His extraordinary martial talent, physical strength and ninja prowess
His power to cause raven kills and create shadow clones to distract opponents from attacking his enemies

2. Gohan iz Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z, a Japanese television series, follows the adventures of Son Goku as he and his team of heroes defend the Earth against a host of otherworldly enemies. Goku's son Gohan is a force to be reckoned with.

As a scientist first and foremost, Gohan strongly believes in the ideals of pacifism. However, that doesn't stop him from taking steps to save his family and friends using his powers when the time comes. Armed with fierce faith and muscles to match the size of the Cell Games arena itself, Gohan ultimately emerges victorious as Earth's ultimate protector. His all-powerful Saiyan heritage - which gives him the power of a powerful race of space warriors - gives him extra help as well.

3. Genos One-Punch Mana

The adaptation of the Japanese superhero follows Saitama, a powerful fighter who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Genos, Saitama's apprentice and cyborg fighter, is a sadistic fighter for justice. He strongly promotes the story of One-Punch throughout the supercontinent of Earth.

Enhanced into full body cyborg modifications, Genos has the power of extreme strength and incredible speed. Although his arrogance and impulsiveness cost him several battles, his expertise in hand-to-hand combat makes him one of the most skilled fighters in the series, defeating Speed-o'-Sound Sonic and Deep Sea King.

He is relentless in his quest for justice and power, dedicated to learning his master's techniques and superhuman strength for the greater good. He is also a fierce defender of Saitama, whom he respects with all his heart.

Why Genos is one of the best anime characters of all time:

His legendary cyborg abilities, from the Incendiary Cannon to the High Voltage Fist
His sharp appearance - yellow eyes, spiky hair and pierced ears
A meticulous and sometimes humorous collection of educational dairies
Who doesn't love a protective cyborg intern?

4. Demon Slayer's Tanjiro Commado

After his family is slaughtered and his sister is turned into a demon, Tanjiro Kamado, a young dragon slayer embarks on a journey to find a cure. Along the way, they were caught up in a secret society called the Demon Slayer Corps.

A secret society is waging war against a population of demons - former humans who have sold their souls in exchange for power. Each demon possesses powers of strength, magic, and regeneration. Tanjiro soon becomes a demon slayer.

The boy is the quintessential everyday hero - sensitive and wise. His great character shows a ruthless determination to heal his sister and avenge his murdered family. It was extinguished by disrespect and insolence. Although beneath his gentle facade is a seething cauldron of rage that ultimately leads to his hellish doom.

Why Tanjiro Kamado is one of the best anime characters of all time:

His ability to empathize with everyone - including demons
His devotion to his sister, despite her demonic transformation
A strong-willed character that includes honesty and helpfulness
His humor and naivety, even in the face of love

5. Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia

Trustworthy and friendly, Izuku Midoriya, the main protagonist of My Hero Academia, is a happy, messy student with a lifelong dream of becoming a hero.

In the world he lives in, superheroes are commonplace. Unfortunately, Izuku is not one of them.

As it happened, Japan's greatest superhero, All Might, chooses Izuku as his successor and enrolls him in a high school dedicated to superhero training.

Izuku Midoriya is a lovable champion armed with boundless optimism and a talent for transformation. He quickly overcomes his nervousness to become a self-determined and selfless hero who will save his friends in the blink of an eye. He never loses sight of his goal of becoming one of Japan's greatest heroes - and it shows.

Why Tanjiro Kamado is one of the best anime characters of all time:

His heroic spirit rarely succumbs to danger or misfortune
His resourcefulness in managing personal relationships
His compassion for the villains he encounters and his willingness to understand them
His classic funny story

6. Monkey D. Luffy του One Piece

The Japanese anime series follows the exploits of Monkey D. Luffy—a boy who strangely gains the properties of rubber after eating a devil fruit. Aside from his rubber mastery, Monkey D. Luffy also holds the title of one of the best anime character names.

He is also trying to become the pirate king. There's just one catch - his mobility would lead to death in the water if he somehow fell into the ocean.

Monkey D. Luffy is a lovable popular anime character with very human flaws—he's completely fearless and completely naive. He is fascinated by the magic of the world and likes to avoid thinking altogether. These qualities make Monkey D. Luffy a really likable and fun main character in the anime universe.

Why Monkey D. Luffy is one of the best anime characters of all time:

His childhood wonder for all things magical and strange
His dynamic nature, which oscillates between greed and selflessness, makes him an approachable hero
His recklessness is fun to watch and gives viewers a sense of adventure
His charisma, faith, ingenuity and leadership skills

7. Eren Jaeger του Attack on Titan

In a world where humanity lives within a network of walls, large humanoid cannibals called Titans roam the outside world. After a Titan destroys his city and kills his mother, Eren Jaeger vows revenge.

After enlisting in a military brigade called the Survey Corps and finally gathering the power of the Titans, Eren Jaeger proves victorious. His characterization of the tides through the series, under the influence of internal and external forces. As such, Eren offers a dynamic not often seen in anime protagonists.

With a mysterious appearance as complex as his nature, Eren Jaeger is a star in the making.

Lacking the self-confidence that permeates many anime protagonists, Eren embodies a passionate and impulsive determination to protect humanity from evil forces. He's a bit of a snob and a hothead - but with good reason. Despite his attraction to frenzied violence, Eren Jaeger also possesses a selflessness and tenacity that help him protect human life. A hero, indeed.

Why Eren Jaeger is one of the best anime characters of all time:

Unconventional, shrouded in darkness and driven by justice
His charismatic and passionate speeches that pop off the screen
He is the moody, sad boy of modern anime
His ruthless courage and physical strength defeat the barrage of the fearsome Titans

8. Attack on Titan's Mikasa Ackerman

From the Titan filled world of Eren Jaeger, Mikasa Ackerman is perhaps one of the best female anime characters of all time. When she was a child, Eren Jaegar saves her after her parents are killed. When he joins the Survey Corps, he really begins to shine, becoming the top graduate of his class.

She is modest, incredibly perceptive and morally driven. These features allow her to easily navigate difficult situations. He's an epic hero who constantly saves Eren's life — whether it's putting up with childhood bullies or distracting the Warhammer Titan. However, her greatest victory may be the deep friendships she shares with her fellow warriors.

Why Mikasa Ackerman is one of the best anime characters of all time:

A strong-willed, morally driven female character
Her experienced combat skills rival those of other Survey Corps soldiers
Her undying devotion to Eren
Her kindness and raw honesty - she wears her heart on her sleeve

Enjoy your favorite anime characters with CultureFly

There is no doubt that the anime series is full of complex, lovable and memorable characters driven by justice, strength and love. It's hard not to find a few favorites among the redundant piles of manga stories.

If you want to inject some courage, faith and sacrifice into your life, CultureFly has itthe best anime subscriptionigifts for anime fans: our stunning anime box set, complete withvinyl figures, supernerd clothes, ipop culture collecting— from notebooks to wall decorations.

For all anime fans — CultureFly has you covered from One Piece, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, One-Punch Man,Naruto donkey, Dragon Ball Z iMHA girl. Check out what we have in store today!

Sources:
CBR Naruto:The 10 hardest decisions the main characters have to make.https://www.cbr.com/naruto-toughest-decisions-hinata-minato/
Dragon Ball Wiki.Gohan. https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Gohan
Wiki One-Punch Man.Rod https://onepunchman.fandom.com/wiki/Genos
Attack on Titan Wiki.Eren Jaeger. https://attackontitan.fandom.com/wiki/Eren_Jaeger_(Anime)
Attack on Titan Wiki.Mikasa Ackerman.https://attackontitan.fandom.com/wiki/Mikasa_Ackerman

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