In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Goku, followed by Lelouch vi Britannia and Spike Spiegel.
The best anime characters aren’t just the strongest: they have arcs you remember, charisma that outgrows their series and a clear influence on the medium. With those criteria we ranked the heroes, antiheroes and rivals who have shaped several generations of fans.
Is your favourite missing, or would you change number one? Vote below or add who we left out.
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1. Goku
Dragon Ball · Created by Akira Toriyama
He is probably the best-known anime character in the world. His drive to keep getting stronger and his love of fighting defined the shōnen hero and were copied by entire series.
2. Lelouch vi Britannia
Code Geass · 2006–2008 · Sunrise
An exiled prince who leads a rebellion through intelligence, manipulation and a power that compels obedience. He is one of anime's most complex antiheroes, and his ending is among the most discussed.
3. Spike Spiegel
Cowboy Bebop · 1998–1999
A laid-back bounty hunter haunted by a past he can't leave behind. His style and melancholy made him an icon of adult anime.
4. Edward Elric
Fullmetal Alchemist · Created by Hiromu Arakawa
A young alchemist trying to undo the mistake that cost his brother his body. His growth, from arrogance to maturity, is one of the best written in the genre.
5. Light Yagami
Death Note · 2006–2007
A brilliant student convinced he can rid the world of criminals. His fall is a study of power and pride, and his duel with L is legendary.
6. Monkey D. Luffy
One Piece · Created by Eiichiro Oda
The captain who wants to be King of the Pirates and turns almost every rival into a friend. His unconditional loyalty is the heart of the longest series on this list.
7. Levi Ackerman
Attack on Titan · Created by Hajime Isayama
Humanity's strongest soldier, cold on the outside and scarred by loss. His fight scenes are among the most watched in modern anime.
8. Vegeta
Dragon Ball · Created by Akira Toriyama
He started as a villain and became one of the saga's best-loved characters. His pride and his rivalry with Goku are a textbook example of how to write a rival.
9. Itachi Uchiha
Naruto · Created by Masashi Kishimoto
Introduced as a ruthless traitor, the series slowly reveals the real reasons behind his actions. It is one of the most memorable character twists in anime.
10. Satoru Gojo
Jujutsu Kaisen · Created by Gege Akutami
A sorcerer as powerful as he is carefree, he became one of the most popular characters in recent anime. He is proof that the medium keeps creating icons.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the best anime character of all time?
In our ranking it is Goku, for his worldwide popularity and his influence on the genre. Lelouch vi Britannia and Spike Spiegel complete the podium.
What matters more: power or good writing?
Good writing. We value character development, charisma and influence, not power level.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.