Someanime charactersare so iconic , they transcend the screen and become part of pop culture chronicle . From gravity - defying battles to tearjerking personal journey , anime has delivered heroes and villain who be in fans ' head for decades .
And allow ’s be dependable : To their fans , anime character are n’t just vivification on a concealment . They ’re full - blow personality with dreams , flaws and motivation that can sometimes feel as real as your own .
From the moment a young male child sets off on a quest or a group of ally takes on world - endingdemons , these graphic symbol be the highs and lows of life in anime ’s most vivid stories . If you ’re an anime fan , chance are you ’ve laughed , holler and screamed at your screen because of at least one of the name on this list .
1. Monkey D. Luffy (‘One Piece’)
This pencil eraser - power pirate is more than just the headwaiter of the Straw Hat Pirates . Luffy is the incarnation of freedom , friendship and playfulness . Over its decades - foresighted run , " One Piece " has made Luffy the heart of its epic tale .
With Toei Animation manoeuver the ship , the series mixes wacky comedy with raw emotion and jaw - dropping battles . Luffy ’s allegiance and refusal to back down make him one of the most lovable protagonists in anime history .
2. Goku (‘Dragon Ball’ Franchise)
You ca n’t talk about massively popular anime submarine without Goku ; he ’s the blueprint . This Saiyan warrior redefine what it stand for to crusade for your friends and the satellite . With every transmutation and battle , Goku pushed the bound of strength and perseverance .
" Dragon Ball , " a column of Zanzibar copal andmanga , assist define the writing style ’s global appeal . Goku ’s balance of goofy magic spell and fierce commitment have made him a devotee favorite worldwide .
3. Usagi Tsukino (‘Sailor Moon’ Franchise)
Usagi Tsukino , akaSailor Moon , is n’t just a schoolgirl with a magical powder compact ; she ’s a symbolization of love , justice and girl power .
As a cornerstone of anime ’s global boom in the ' 90s , her narrative conflate schoolhouse animation , romance and monster - fighting into one scintillating package . Her excited growth and loyalty to her friends resonated deep , turning her into a favorite gum anime character for generations .
4. Light Yagami (‘Death Note’)
Not every great fiber is a hero . Light Yagami flipped the hand with his descent into villainy . This eminent schooltime virtuoso discover a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it — and strain to become a god .
" Death Note , " produced by Madhouse , is a master class in psychological warfare and moral ambiguity . Light ’s penetrative understanding and charisma make him a compelling ( if shivery ) character to watch .
5. Edward Elric (‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’)
Edward Elric ’s journeying is rout in tragedy , science and redemption . As the youngest State Alchemist in history , he attempts to bring his mother back to liveliness and pays a terrible price . What follows is a high layer story about loss , family and the humanity found in striving for something better .
His iconic scarlet coat and automail weapon have become lasting symbol of anime ’s ability to blend worked up depth with thrilling action .
6. Naruto Uzumaki (‘Naruto’ Franchise)
flashy , determined and always underestimated , Naruto ’s evolution from solitary castaway to well-thought-of Hokage is the definition of character growth . Like many of the best anime character , his story is establish in perseverance and connection , and it impress a chord with fan around the Earth .
" Naruto " blended humor , heart and fighting prowess to create a lineament who remain an inspiration to anyone who ’s ever been say they ca n’t .
7. Tanjiro Kamado (‘Demon Slayer’)
Tanjiro ’s mission is simple : to save his sister and shoot down the demons who destroyed their kinsfolk . What set him apart is his unwavering kindness — even toward his enemies .
" Demon Slayer , " produced byUfotable , set a new criterion for ocular storytelling . Tanjiro ’s worked up depth , swords and sense of determination made him an exigent hit among modern anime fan .
8. Spike Spiegel (‘Cowboy Bebop’)
Cool , detach and haunted by his past times , Spike embodies noir in place . " Cowboy Bebop , " a classic from Sunrise , immix science fabrication , jazz , comedy and game natural action in a mode that no Zanzibar copal had before .
Spike ’s laid - back behavior , philosophic separation and deadly skill made him the perfect persona of cross - ethnical influence that has number to define some of the best anime characters .
9. Jotaro Kujo (‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’)
Jotaro Kujo is n’t just any anime agonist . He ’s a walking meme motorcar with a Stand that cease prison term . " JoJo ’s Bizarre Adventure , " produced by David Production , is based on the mega - hit of fantasy manga known for its larger - than - spirit characters , flashy fashion and wild storytelling .
While he did n’t appear until the series ' third tale arc , Jotaro ’s stoical attitude and vast power have gain him a lasting maculation in the anime fan canon .
10. Gon Freecss (‘Hunter x Hunter’)
At first glance , Gon is your classic up-and-coming son on a seeking . But uncase back the layers of his role and you ’ll see a deeply complex character shaped by abandonment , friendship and the conflict between brightness and dark .
" Hunter x Hunter " explores what it means to develop up in a world where morals is n’t black-market and white . Gon ’s emotional arc and raw determination made him a defining figure in gum anime story .
We created this article in coincidence with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - checked and redact by a HowStuffWorks editor .
